~HARQALYA~ Author Topic: Meme-Mages Harla Quinn (Moderator) posted 1/15/01 1:22 AM I know everyone here is interested, so I am posting the following response from JM to Pahana (which he sent to me and gave me permission to post) with regard to memes, the experiment, etc. This is a logical seque into my own "wyld" theories about "forces", the I&OH, my own experiences... Whether or not it is connected in any way with the context or content of JM's book, I suppose that remains to be seen. I truly don't know. At least it opens the door to an alternate perception. From Pahana in DP: "I also have the feeling your book may try to play Ongs Hat out to be just another experiment in meta-memes when it all comes down to it. While that's an interesting idea (which I think a number of us have thought at one stage or another), I'd tend to disagree and see the documents as describing real events." JM Response: Well without giving too much away (hey, I gotta have something to write about!) I'll just say, you are correct in this assumption, and that the documents did indeed exist in another form, previous to the current incarnation. The obvious counter culture pseudonyms were woven in later. My experiments were much, much more than a simple 'meme' exercise. Read the draft again, then ask yourself this question: "Why would someone doctor an existing story, to fit modern counterculture tastes?" It's not as simple as "cause they lacked originality" or "for self aggrandizement". I wish the answers I found were only that simple. This thing goes way back and it seems that rather nefarious forces have attempted to use it for their own ends for some time now. But, like a lot of attempts by such forces, the information wriggled out of their control, by it's own means and through their incomplete understanding of it's power. Hence the need to sit on some very incriminating and/or suspicious pieces. Much like a crime investigation, where you withhold crucial, telltale pieces, to be able to better assess who's telling the truth and who's merely "copy catting". My experiments had many levels of functionality, one being to smoke out some of the players from behind their masks and to better divine their intentions. Another of course was to see if a point of contact could be made with what I'll call "trans-dimensional" personality projections and resonate incidents and occurrences. Don't judge me too harshly until you read what I was up against. It was successful on those and several other levels. This thing is 4D in nature, so the logical is thicker than most of our used to. Also: Remember (or learn) what a Culture Jammer's real objective was, namely, we viewed the current media system as the most insidious and odious control system contrived to date. We viewed the control system as a "signal" or "stream" and our strategy to disrupt it was to introduce static or better, jamming signals, which would, in theory, allow a "break in the barrage". Naive maybe, but I still think our intentions were noble. Does this sound like a "practical joke"? Now to answer a question some of you have been emailing me: "No, I could care less what "those people" are doing or saying, they are not the "ones" I am talking about outing here. They are not a factor in what I am writing, they are not mentioned, as in "not on the chessboard at all", dig? As you all know, this has been in the works for a while, so again, no. This is not a response to anything new. Let's leave the mudslinging to the gophers. 'Nuff said? I don't mean to be rude folks, but I gotta make this into a book, and not one email/web-board post at a time! Peace, -jm Harla Quinn (Moderator) posted 1/22/01 5:21 AM "It has long been argued in the philosophy of science that our brains construct our reality. At the very least, science accepts the view that reality could ultimately prove to be something different from our present perception of it, since the physical nature of our brains limits how we perceive physical reality. Even if our reality is not a construction of our brains, the physical limits of our brains at least bias our perception of reality. Through their development of a holographic worldview, Pribram and Bohm have shed new light on this aspect of the mind-matter controversy. And even this view pales beside Bohm's independent conclusion that "we even construct space and time." http://members.aol.com/jebco1st/Paraphysics/search3.htm If the physical limits of our brains bias our perception, what "form" would "reality" be perceived by our sense impressions if the expanse of our limitations are widened or removed? Would that form be a continually morphing hologram of varying sets (fractal?) or sliding and shifting "realities" as if we were stepping through various curtained doorways onto different "stages" wherein actions and re-enactions are simultaneously occuring? Further, would the expanse of perception in enhanced brain activity also enhance the sense abilities into a synasthestic merging of sorts? Would we hear color, taste thought, see language? In order to grasp these shifting peripheries, would the primary ocular sense become unnecessary? What I'm implying is that "sight" would be more akin to an "inner vision" guided solely by the stream of a superconsciousness. Isn't this, in effect, what Remote Viewers are capable of in a limited aspect? If our reality is indeed a "construction" of our brain as is suggested, what effect would viral memes have on altering or directing the construction of new perceptions? In the same way as a computer virus attacks and/or attaches to both software and hardware components to stall, impede or even re-direct the flow of data processing, have experimental memes been developed to re-direct thought or for the purpose of examining resulting human behavior patterns infected with these memes? An amazing pattern of synchronicity links physicists researching consciousness and altered states of consciousness, extra-terrestrial intelligence, remote-viewing and other fringe areas through studies conducted at Esalen from the 60s-80s. These studies involved alternate types of consciousness research and experimentation with psychotropics, brain wave altering devices, sensory deprivation, meditative techniques, Eastern philosophy, just to name a few that we know of. If we look at just a few of the more noted Esalen researchers, I find a surprising amount of correlation to give rise to the theory that these experiments branched out and continued in the "real-world" laboratory. http://members.aol.com/jebco1st/Paraphysics/search3.htm Harla Quinn (Moderator) posted 1/22/01 6:17 AM Subsequent to the consciousness expanding and behavioral studies experimentation at Esalen, Millbrook, NIMH, PEAR, and SRI was the sudden rise in situationist, culture jamming and counterculture, RAVE, anarchist groups, Discordianism, "Church of the SubGenius, Erisian and other "fringe" counterculture groups which were markedly different in their attitude and approach from the earlier laid-back LSD induced "flower power" and hippy era which preceeded them. This era also saw the emergence of the conspiracy theorists and the increasing fascination with UFOlogy, MIBs, coupled with a plethora of "channelled" information being disseminated. Were these off-shoots a counter-balance to a "grand experiment" in behavioral studies or just another research approach? There are MANY allegations of connections between certain aspects of the "New Age" movement and intelligence agency mind control manipulations - for the most part, many of these movements are off-shoots of Esalen attendees or participants: Hubbard and Scientology, Werner Erhard and EST, Castenada's "cleargreen", RAW and Discordianism, Burroughs and Gysins cut-up and "dream machine" workings, Vallee's conflicting theories about extra-terresterreals...the list goes on and in both and clear and subtle ways we find all of these linking back and to the other. Also corresponding was the rise in "fringe" science, cybernetics, computer technology and the birth of Role Playing Games and "memes". Game Theory is founded in the study of psychology and in cybernetics. (I will write more extensively on this.) Again, synchronicity is found in that one of the first sites utilized for RPGs was The WELL (Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link - a computer teleconference based in the San Francisco Bay Area.) founded by Stewart Brand, another Esalen participant and a consultant to Douglas Engelbart's pioneering Augmented Human Intellect program at SRI, which devised now-familiar computer interface tools. SRI - AUGMENTED HUMAN INTELLECT PROGRAM. During 1974-1985 Brand organized the first "Hackers' Conference". Of particular note, is that JM's MediaKaos' much touted "WELL Conference" took place on this BBS. It always amazes me at the synchronicity found within these RPG games. Perhaps the kernels of "truth" are more profound than the fiction, itself. The folllowing is an excerpt from the RPG, "Mage: The Ascension", put out by the "White Wolf" gaming company in the late 80's or early 90's. For the full text go to: http://www.student.nada.kth.se/~nv91-asa/Mage/memetic_engineers Harla Quinn (Moderator) posted 1/22/01 6:29 AM MEMETIC ENGINEERS By Andrew Weitzman Description The Memetic Engineers are the newest--and most unusual--of the Methodologies in the Technocracy. They are masters of a special form of thought-crafting. They study ideas, concepts, and beliefs as living beings: autonomous creatures capable of evolution and mutation. In the late 50's, an amalgam of New World Order technomancers latched onto an experimental theory known as Cybernetics. This theory held that modeling computers on the patterns of living creatures was the best path to artificial intelligence. The originators of Cybernetics-- Virtual Adepts mixed in with a few Progenitors--pushed their theory as an alternative to the mechanistic world-view of Iteration X. A formal presentation of the theory to the Technocracy Administrators was given in an October Symposium in 1959. Pressure from Iteration X forced a temporary disavowal of Cybernetics; though not formally banned, it was tinged with just enough stigma to make it a dubious line of research. Only two factions carried on with forwarding the goals of Cybernetics. One was the Virtual Adepts after they broke with the Union in 1961. They currently foster interest in the new technique of Artificial Life, a revised version of Cybernetics. The other was the amalgam from the New World Order. Sent as observers from the Convention, they were struck by the brilliance of the new theory. They began considering how certain of its tenets could be applied to the world of the mind. Computer programs and ideas are both information. Cannot, they reasoned, both be manipulated in similar ways? The amalgam approached the leaders of their Convention for permission to adapt Cybernetics for the purposes of the NWO. Tenative approval was given, though the activities of the researchers were carefully monitored. A breakthrough was quickly made: memetics. The researchers found that ideas act in ways similar to biological processes. They can replicate, evolve, and even "feed" through activities which support their existence. These were dubbed "memes"--the mental equivalent of genes. Through extensive research, methods of manipulation and breeding customised memes were discovered. Very precise paradigm shifts became possible. Memetic engineering was born. New World Order was overjoyed. This new field of mind-magick promised limitless advantages in their struggle to define static reality. The relatively crude techniques of propoganda were obsolete, hammers to be replaced by the scalpel of memetics. Swaying the Masses would be child's play. On the strength of these hopes, the researchers were granted formal Methodology status as the Memetic Engineers. At first, things went well. The Memetic Engineers, alongside their fellows in the Ivory Tower Methodology, expanded the NWO's power through meme-crafting. A particular specialty of theirs was the creation of counter-memes designed to attack the paradigms of Technocracy enemies. One notorious example was the Infernal Music meme, aimed at the Cult of Ecstasy; the notion that rock music is a source of the demonic has been a constant thorn in the side of the Ecstatics. More recent examples include the Ritual Satanic Abuse (devastating to the Verbena) and Net.Pedophile memes. The Memetic Engineers remain valued members of New World Order. Unfortunately, unforseen problems have cropped up. The senior meme-mages show signs of a dangerous relativism; though supportive of the Technocracy's goals, many refuse to condemn the Council of Nine mysticks out of hand. They see the paradigms of the Traditions as a rich source of memes. Quaint, outmoded...but still useful. Some radicals whisper that some may even be worthy of preservation. Another suspect practise is the liberal use of spirit-tech. Memetic Engineers have a far higher tolerance for the Sphere of Spirit than the rest of the Union. This is encouraged by their peculiar theories on the relationship between Mind and Spirit. The NWO has to constantly crack down on the overuse of dimensional science. Other Conventions have been heard to call for a purge to prevent a repeat of the Virtual Adept and Son of Ether fiascos. Then there are the incidents of Memetic Engineers going Wyld. Three of the original amalgam became Marauders. One of the reality deviants was terminated, but the other two escaped into the Deep Umbra. Worrying stories have filtered back from Void Engineer scouts about Realms composed of thought gone out of control... Philosophy Ideas are alive. Some are mere intellectual versions of DNA, content to be expressed as traits in the minds of humanity. Others are like simple bacteria. The most complex may form colonies...ecologies... whole Realms of thought. All can be domesticated as our Progenitor comrades tamed the dog and ox so many millenia ago. Through memetic engineering, we will provide the Masses with a healthy mental landscape free of pollution. Mind and Spirit are one. Umbra, alternate dimension--these terms are misleading. We Enlightened are capable of attuning ourselves to Meta-Reality, the world of thought which permeates the material universe. Understanding of Meta-Reality is crucial to memetics; without it we are blind, cursed with working with second-hand versions of the mental world. The greatest weakness of the Union is its refusal to accept this fact. [A note on Meta-Reality: to a Memetic Engineer, the Umbral Worlds are actually a universal collective unconscious. The mind resides in both realities at the same time; the Gauntlet is a defense mechanism put out by living beings to prevent sensory chaos. A mage who "steps sideways" is simply tuning out one existence in favor of another. The reasons why such actions make mages disappear is contentious--their best explanation is that the process causes the rest of the world to ignore the mage as a physical being. Mind magick is seen to work with the individual; Spirit operates in a wider sense.] Organization The Memetic Engineers are organized in the usual manner of an academic Methodology. Technicians work in a variety of research labs and workshops, perfecting memetic science. Administrators head the departments, under a Triumvirate known as "Meme Control". Field Operatives operate in scientific task forces--usually on expeditions into Meta-Reality. Others perform anthropological research of Sleeper and Magi alike. The atmosphere is collegial, almost chummy; the small size of the Metholdology (about 400 people) contributes to the sense of friendly competition. Chantry The Memetic Engineers maintain a small Horizon Realm known as MemeSpace. Mind and Spirit Effects are considered coincidental there, allowing them to perform advanced experiments in memetic theory. The interior of the Realm resembles a vast white space; thoughts manifest as objects or entities. A variety of mundane Constructs are located in the psychology departments of major universities. There are also Memetic Engineer sites on the Digital Web; exploration Collectives are frequently established on long-lived Dream Realms. Initiation Memetic Engineers are usually drawn from Awakened members of New World Order. Of course, there is a program in place to recruit talent from such fields as psychology. The Methodology has Associates schooled in memetic theory placed at key universities; students who enroll in their classes are scanned for Awakened potential. Sphere: Mind. Almost all train in Spirit as well. Common Foci Hypnosis: though considered primitive, Memetic Engineers often employ this technique as a focus for their Mind magick. It has the advantage being almost completely coincidental Lucid Dreaming: common focus for Spirit magic. Memetic Engineers go to sleep and "wake up" in their dreams; they become aware that they are in a dreaming state. Through this they can direct their dreams, interacting with Meta-Reality. Other foci include psychological theory, computer models, etc. Acolytes: pupils, psychiatrists, university faculty Concepts: psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist Stereotypes Iteration X: Superb in their field, they are limited in their scope. What use is replacing the flesh if the mind it houses remains a mystery? Besides, their belief system is based on outmoded determinism. Too Fifties for our taste. New World Order: We are forever grateful to our parent Construct. Without them, we would be mired in the Dark Ages of mind science. Still, they concentrate overmuch on control instead of investigation. A little more open-mindedness would be welcome. Progenitors: These masters of DNA understand us most. Many aspects of memetics were inspired by their work. Together we will reshape both Reality and Meta-Reality into Utopia. Syndicate: Tragically limited in their fixation on money; they impoverish the memetic ecology of the Masses through their banal vision of popular culture. Nonetheless, they are to be admired for their mastery of various media. We've found their advertising techniques to be effective disseminators of our work. Void Engineers: Completely wrong in their approach. They seek to define Meta-Reality in the physical, a futile endeavor. At least their scout reports allow us to focus our investigations. Akashic Brotherhood: There is much to be learned from their creed of self-awareness. However, the relentless introspection of their philosophy hamstrings their efforts against the Union. Celestial Chorus: A fine subject of study! Examining their rigid belief-structure teaches one the powers of dogma and blind faith. We often adapt their memes for our own purposes. Cult of Ecstacy: Fairly mundane. Ascension through personal pleasure is a rather tired meme; there are more interesting variations. One cannot, however, dismiss their power. Even cliches have great allure. Dreamspeakers: We sometimes meet such mages in our forays into Meta-Reality. Extensive interrogation has added a treasure-trove of information to our files on ancient memes. We find them quite useful when operating in less advanced cultures. Euthanatos: Dangerous. Many of these experts on entropy have destroyed our most carefully groomed memes. Either use robust idea-structures against them, or let the operatives of the Union take direct action. Order of Hermes: They had the first glimmering of our science in the Pythagorean and Platonic schools. They have not advanced since then. Their paradigm does bear analysing for its lessons on occult memes in European culture. Verbena: Another outmoded paradigm. They do make good boogeymen, though. Sons of Ether: Stupid, misguided traitors. They claim to be Scientists, but run away from any advancement that contradicts their antique theories. Virtual Adepts: We sympathise somewhat with their objections to the Union; our founders suffered many of the same persecutions. However, we have learned to work within the system instead of razing it to the ground. "Five bucks says these thoughthackers are going to be on the Council's side in a few years. Until then, keep on your toes. They ain't fighters, but they can do a lot of damage when they try." Hollow Ones: The subject of our ongoing study of the post-modern memes in society. They also provide excellent experimental specimens. MEMETIC ENGINEER PROCEDURES Meme Sample (Mind 3, Matter 2 or 4, Prime 2): designed to preserve the thoughts in physical form. The Memetic Engineer initiates a brief mental link into a dreaming mind, then forms material objects based on the images found in the scan. Depending on the level of Matter employed, this can be anything from a crude figurine to a printed abstract. This procedure allows a memeticist to examine potential memes at leisure. Meme Vector (Mind 2): a basic form of memetic engineering. The caster chooses an object or place which has connections to a particular meme that is to be reinforced. A simple thought or emotion is imprinted through Mind. Though unsophisticated, this use of Resonance is a powerful tool in the Memetic Engineer arsenal. Doubly so when the "carrier" object used is crafted via Meme Sample. Meme Hack (Entropy 1, Mind 4): an advanced level of memetics. Users of this procedure analyse a situation to see whether it is conducive to the spread of a desire meme. Mind then writes the meme as a impulse in a key person who can best spread the meme. A common application is injecting a meme into political rally. The Memetic Engineer senses which speaker or delegate has the best chance of communicating ideas to the rest of the assembly, then "primes the pump" with a telepathic suggestion. MemeCraft (Mind 5, Spirit 5): one of the sources of the Memetic Engineers' power. This procedure enables a mage to weave ephemera in ways that turn abstract memes into spirit objects. Mind implants a psyche that is the meme incarnate. Such artificial spirits are released into the Dream Realms, programmed to wander the sleeping minds of the Masses. Spreading itself like a bacteria, these "memetic agents" spread the ideas manifested in their forms to thousands of Sleepers. A variant on this procedure breeds spirits which attack the spontaneous memes of Dream Realms. More information on "Mage" can be found at the excellent web-site of Anders Sandberg, a Swedish student working on his Doctorate in behavioral studies. (shades of Garfinkle, eh?) http://www.student.nada.kth.se/~nv91-asa/Mage Post New Topic