Introduction to Virus
image © 1995 by W.L.Carr
Virus was originally created to compete with the traditional (irrational) religions in the human ideosphere with the idea that it would introduce and propagate memes which would ensure the survival and evolution of our species. The main advantage conferred upon adherents is Virus provides a conceptual framework for leading a truly meaningful life and attaining immortality without resorting to mystical delusions.
Virus is a collection of mutually-supporting ideas (a meme-complex) encompassing philosophy, science, technology, politics, and religion. The core ideas are based on evolution and memetics because one of the primary design goals was survivability through adaptation (religions die, not because they grow old, but because they become obsolete). If a new religion is designed around the premise of continuously integrating better (more accurate, more useful) concepts while ensuring the survival of its believers, it could conceivably achieve true immortality.
For a quick overview, here are some brief answers to big questions:
Everything is a system. All systems (except perhaps quarks) are composed of causally related components which are themselves systems. All systems (except perhaps the universe) are part of one or more supersystems. Perhaps all that exists are physical and temporal patterns, ie. information.
Evolution on all scales. The process of variation and selection is not only happening at the level of biological species, but also at the level of cellular development, cognition, human culture, and perhaps even the multiverse if the current theory of inflationary universe is true.
Things mean what they cause. The meaning of life in general is in the effects of life. The meaning of your life in particular is the sum total of how your existence has changed reality by influencing, directly or indirectly, the world and people around you.
The most important thing to learn is how to think critically. Constantly question your beliefs, avoid inconsistency, and act rationally. Create a meaningful life by influencing the world around you. (See the Virian sins and virtues.)
The word "virus" has negative connotations for many people so it may seem odd to name a religion after it. The name was chosen to be deliberately antagonistic, to put people on their guard and let them know this idea was designed to infect them. Call it truth in advertising.
