The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins provides an interesting look at lasting cultural elements in history by characterizing them as memes in comparison to genes. I was surprised by the turn it took at the end; it reminded me of the different grounds for ethical arguments. I was expecting a more detailed explanation of what keeps such memes in circulation that would reflect more on the modern meaning of the word "meme"; i.e. resonance with community values, encapsulation of a mindset, etc. The lines about "disinterested altruism" threw me off, because it is assumed that all human actions gravitate towards selfishness (survival of the individual) rather than working within a community to ensure mutual survival of everyone in that community.
I think memes are starting to deteriorate in lifespan because most of our needs in modern society have been met. There is nothing forcing us to fear hell and fire, there is no perceived "need" for an afterlife because our current life is not overwhelmingly miserable. In addition, the internet facilitates the development of new memes that reflect on the people who carry them at each moment in time, replacing others that we consider less applicable. Yet I feel that the existence and prevalence of these memes fail to be accurate reflections of who we are. Take humor, for instance. Most jokes are harmful or derogatory in nature, yet are made to help face that division and ease the tension associated with it. They can help spread awareness, inspire exploration, and give others a basis for addressing similar issues.
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