History Memes For Anyone Avoiding the Present

History lesson time! Today we're going to discuss the origin of memes. Yes, internet memes. Why am I differentiating the two? Well, it's because the term "meme" was first used by Richard Dawkins in 1976 - and wasn't about the internet. A meme, by Dawkins' definition (via the Oxford Dictionary) is "An element of a culture or system of behaviour passed from one individual to another by imitation or other non-genetic means." It's all about the transmission of ideas. Some great historical examples would be the ol' "Kilroy Is Here" graffiti, or even something as modified as the wheel. 

Are you riveted yet? Me neither. I prefer my history lessons to come in the form of internet memes. We can talk about the spread of ideas, but what I want is a quickly-spreading grin on my sallow, aging face. If you're in my camp, well, you're in luck. Cuz I've put together this tasty bunch of history memes right here for you. 

Author image for Ada Elder Ada Elder
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