If the majority of memes have a single purpose in their brief and fragmented existence, it is to spread their message as widely as possible (apart from if they are niche on purpose). Memes are built to rise fast, enjoy a fleeting moment in the spotlight, and then fade away, resurfacing occasionally on obscure and untrendy corners of the internet for many years afterwards. It is a familiar cycle that most seasoned meme consumers have accepted as part of the internet humor ecosystem.

Looking at this process with a philosophical bent, this pattern can make every new funny image we stumble across feel a little more special than just yet more dreck that has been coughed up by this online culture that we have. After all, it may not be around for long. We won’t remember every meme we encounter, but we will enjoy and even share them with others nonetheless.