memetic-conditioning
Inoshiro's adoption of an ancient, self-affirming outlook imposed by a memetic replicator highlights themes of mental transformation and ideological entrapment.
1 chapter across 1 book
Diaspora (1997)Greg Egan
The chapter depicts Yatima reflecting on Earth's devastated state after the Lacerta gamma-ray burst and the extinction of flesh-based life, while conversing with Inoshiro about humanity's future in digital polises and interstellar exploration. Yatima decides to migrate to Carter-Zimmerman to join efforts in advanced space travel and understanding cosmic threats, whereas Inoshiro has embraced a fatalistic, resigned outlook influenced by an ancient memetic replicator. The chapter ends with Yatima departing through a portal and the conceptory enforcing conformity by rejecting mutant shaper values.