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"concept" is the closest term with the least baggage, though I admit it's disappointingly unexciting. Perhaps the concept of concepts needs to be defined and named an eponymous law.

"Epistemological atom" is bulky. Some are principles, some are laws, some are aphorisms, some are patterns. Sometimes you see "nuggets" or "pearls of wisdom". The publishing industry tries to froth these ideas into $25 nonfiction hardbacks, 15 minute TED talks, and hour long podcast appearances, but they are without obvious exception small ideas.

"meme" as analogous to gene might have taken root in some alternate timeline. I think one of the characteristics that makes certain ideas compelling in this way is that they seem to be applicable in ways far beyond their origin (cf. design patterns). That's why they feel collectable.

I liked the term "knol" for a "unit of knowledge" from when Google tried to do a wikipedia like thing. There is definitely a shape and scope relatable to a wiki page. The idea should feel unique and complete enough to have its own wiki page but dense enough to fit in the summary.



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