Meaning: Susan Blackmore, a British writer and lecturer on psychology and memetics, offers a thought-provoking insight into the pervasive influence of memes on human behavior and cognition in her quote: "Certainly almost everything we do and think is colored in some way by memes, but it is important to realize that not everything we experience is a meme. If I walk down the street and see a tree, the basic perception that's going on is not memetic." This statement encapsulates the complex interplay between memes, human experience, and cognition.

Memes, in the context of Blackmore's quote, refer to cultural units of information that are transmitted from person to person through imitation, language, and other forms of communication. These memes can encompass a wide range of cultural elements, including ideas, beliefs, behaviors, and practices. Blackmore's assertion that "almost everything we do and think is colored in some way by memes" underscores the profound and pervasive impact of cultural transmission on human cognition and behavior.

The quote also emphasizes the need to discern between experiences that are directly influenced by memes and those that are not. Blackmore uses the example of walking down the street and seeing a tree to illustrate that not all experiences are inherently memetic. The basic act of perceiving a tree does not necessarily involve the transmission of cultural information or the influence of memes. Instead, it represents a fundamental sensory experience that is distinct from the complex web of cultural influences that shape human thought and behavior.

Blackmore's quote prompts reflection on the extent to which memes permeate our daily lives and shape our perceptions, beliefs, and actions. It invites consideration of the ways in which cultural information and ideas are transmitted, replicated, and transformed within society, contributing to the diversity and dynamism of human culture. At the same time, the quote serves as a reminder that not all aspects of human experience can be reduced to the influence of memes, highlighting the multifaceted nature of human cognition and perception.

In the field of memetics, Blackmore's quote resonates with ongoing debates and inquiries into the nature of cultural evolution and the role of memes in shaping human culture. It underscores the intricacies of cultural transmission and the ways in which memes interact with individual and collective consciousness. By acknowledging the pervasive influence of memes while also recognizing the non-memetic nature of certain experiences, Blackmore's quote encourages a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between cultural information and human cognition.

Overall, Susan Blackmore's quote offers a compelling perspective on the pervasive influence of memes on human cognition and behavior, while also highlighting the need to discern between memetic and non-memetic aspects of human experience. It invites contemplation of the intricate ways in which cultural information permeates our lives and shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and actions. Furthermore, it underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of human culture and cognition, prompting deeper consideration of the interplay between memes and human experience.