Document B — The Instrumental Nature Of Ideology

1. Summary

An internal memorandum of the Scientific Memetic Engineering Division on ideology as an instrument measured by its behavioral effects.

2. Text

Internal memorandum, Scientific Memetic Engineering Division.

"The traditional propagandist believes in the ideas he disseminates. The memetic engineer does not need to believe in anything.

To him, an ideology is merely an instrument, and its value is measured by the behavioral effects it produces.

It is not particularly difficult to influence an ordinary man. Most individuals are governed by emotions they scarcely understand, while imagining themselves to be governed by reason.

The greater scientific challenge is determining whether a subject can recognize the origin of his own convictions."

3. Context

The memorandum states the principle of Scientific Memetic Engineering, the systematic study and deliberate manipulation of cultural information as an instrument of behavioral influence.

The D6 story presents Documents A to M as narrative reference drafts intended to preserve the philosophical discussions, scientific disputes, and discoveries encountered throughout D6.

See: Phenomena › Memetics

See: Places › D6

4. Gameplay

The D6 documents may be distributed among personal quarters, scientific offices, restricted archives, computer terminals, and the deeper containment installations.