The mimetic basis of cultural learning. I would submit that mimetics plays an important role in the social and cultural development of the very young. Given that a young child does not have these interactions, I would suggest, would make them socially inadept as much learning occurs as a result of observation. From this article examples of mimetics in art and literature can be demonstrated however, in a less obvious way. But even as adults, mimetics are used especially in social situations, sporting events and private gatherings. In fact, despite our differences, many of us are more 'alike' than we think.