> Finally, don't rule out the possibility that the definition of "consciousness" may shift. Memes (in the academic sense, not the cat video sense) display all

> Finally, don't rule out the possibility that the definition of "consciousness" may shift. Memes (in the academic sense, not the cat video sense) display all our characteristics for biological life. They respond to stimuli (other memes, changing social trends, etc). They grow, evolve, reproduce (Catholicism->Many branches of Protestantism) They maintain homeostasis (core principles) They're built of cells (people) And so on. Although I probably wouldn't say they show signs of intelligence (although it'd be cool if someone could imagine a sentient meme). They seem more like "simple" organisms, but at a layer of abstraction above sentient life, something like how biological life is a layer of abstraction above chemistry.