I'd argue that almost every historical figure becomes a meme at some point, even through the lens of many robust historical accounts. We don't usually care abou

I'd argue that almost every historical figure becomes a meme at some point, even through the lens of many robust historical accounts. We don't usually care about the details of their lives, and that detail is often lost when informally shared...except for the parts that exemplify a few key traits of the individual. As such, over time, that individual begins to embody such traits, even to the point that we use it as a guide for our own efforts and aspirations. And so, as the knowledge of that person is further condensed (and frequently rewritten), they slowly become a meme shadow of the original. Still remembered, but imperfectly, and serving more as an inspiration than someone we directly learn from. US presidents, British royalty, notable inventors, the list goes on. The funny thing is, we are often shocked a bit when we find out the real person wasn't the literal embodiment of what we thought they were, flaws and all.