I too, re-watched it. That is when I realized due to the limit time of an episode, despite the narrative being they are dealing with metaphors, they are dealing with memes. There is talk about meme-ing things into reality, but really with internet making the world searchable, then large numbers and long time will fill in all narrative gaps. The Darmok society is just one that was around long enough so that everything has a story, and an easy way to recall it.
From there I realized our constant references to two scoops, side of beef, nimble navigator...etc are complete obtuse to an outside observer, but each encapsulates a mini-story with a grain of truth.
Dawkins conceptualized the concept of 'meme' as the cultural parallel to genes. Passed down through generations, mutated, improved upon, forming the basis of new generations of thought. Have we all become basically blood relatives by meming Trump into two terms? I submit yes, exactly that.
I too, re-watched it. That is when I realized due to the limit time of an episode, despite the narrative being they are dealing with metaphors, they are dealing with memes. There is talk about meme-ing things into reality, but really with internet making the world searchable, then large numbers and long time will fill in all narrative gaps. The Darmok society is just one that was around long enough so that everything has a story, and an easy way to recall it.
From there I realized our constant references to two scoops, side of beef, nimble navigator...etc are complete obtuse to an outside observer, but each encapsulates a mini-story with a grain of truth.
If a bunch of aliens tried to translate what goes on here, they'd be wondering why we keep talking about food and calling each other insects.
Dawkins conceptualized the concept of 'meme' as the cultural parallel to genes. Passed down through generations, mutated, improved upon, forming the basis of new generations of thought. Have we all become basically blood relatives by meming Trump into two terms? I submit yes, exactly that.