The 'Four Stages of Simulation' meme is derived from Jean Baudrillard's 1981 philosophical treatise, 'Simulacra and Simulation.' The concept describes how society has replaced all reality and meaning with symbols and signs. The meme template typically features four panels representing the progression from a faithful reflection of reality to a 'pure simulacrum' that has no relation to any reality whatsoever. Internet users have adapted this academic concept to mock the decline of quality in products, the artificiality of social media influencers, and the increasingly surreal nature of modern news and politics. It remains a favorite among the 'high-brow' meme community for its ability to blend deep theory with everyday observations.