BY LETTER
Cult
A sociotype of an auto-toxic meme-complex, composed of membots and/or memeoids.
Characteristics of cults include:
Characteristics of cults include:
- self-isolation of the infected group (or at least new recruits).
- brainwashing by repetitive exposure (inducing dependent mental states).
- genetic functions discouraged (through celibacy, sterilization, devalued family) in favor of replication (proselytizing).
- and leader-worship ("personality cult").
Related Articles
- Meme-complex, Memeplex - Text by Glenn Grant
Also sometimes called a memeticity. A set of mutually-assisting memes which have co-evolved a symbiotic relationship. Religious and political dogmas, social movements, artistic styles, traditions and customs, chain letters, paradigms, languages, and so on are meme-complexes. Types of co-memes commonly found in a scheme are called the: bait; hook; threat; and vaccine. A successful scheme commonly has certain attributes: wide scope (a paradigm that explains much); opportunity for the carriers to participate and contribute; conviction of its self-evident truth (carries Authority); offers order and a sense of place, helping to stave off the dread of meaninglessness.
Appears in Topics
Development Notes
Text by Glenn Grant
Initially published on 07 January 2002.
Initially published on 07 January 2002.
