Brin

In Survival of the Fittest Ideas, Brin is merely applying Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest to ideas in a society. A “meme” is an idea that can be promoted in society by different means and can either stick around for generations to come or die out shortly after it is born. Society decides how long these memes will stay around and what their influence will be. Brin argues that the more influential and substantial a meme is the longer it will survive—hence “survival of the fittest ideas.” In our present society, memes can be categorized 4 different ways: paranoia (where fear motivates people to follow those that promise to keep them safe), machismo (revolves around revenge of oppressed women), the east (centered around regulating a hierarchy), and dogma for others (looks at keeping an open mind and those that support diversity). Brin argues that a society should be more open minded and this would keep from conflict and struggle.

I found it very interesting that Brin took Darwin’s idea of “survival of the fittest” and applied it to ideas and theories. Obviously it is easier to see this when applied to genes and means of physically surviving than it is theoretically. Although I am not quite sure I see how the 4 memes Brin discusses are related to each other, I understand the concept. It’s wild to think that ideas and theories can really affect our society enough stick around for generations to come and keep having the same influences time after time.

As I said, I don’t really see how the 4 memes mentioned are related to one another. How did Brin decide these were the 4 categories of memes? A meme is such an abstract idea I just don’t see how they can be contained in just 4 categories let alone the ones Brin has mentioned.