MyMemeCards editorial team
Watch the ref
Nobody has added this meme's ref yet. Got the original video or post?
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Wheaton's Law” is an epic card of the Memes World series 70, number 20839 of the collection, and the 37th best-known meme of its 243 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Wheaton's Law” meme mean?
This rule expresses a direct call for elegance in sportsmanship and courtesy. It aims to prevent toxic, aggressive, or unnecessarily hostile behaviors that ruin others' enjoyment. By adopting this principle, one prioritizes mutual respect over fierce competition or gratuitous provocation. It serves as a simple ethical safeguard: act with integrity to avoid harming the collective experience.
Where does the “Wheaton's Law” meme come from?
Wil Wheaton, an actor famous for *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, delivered this phrase during his opening keynote at the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) on August 24, 2007. While an audio recording exists, the exact date of its upload remains unknown. He was advocating for fair play in online video games, asking players not to ruin others' experiences with insults. A few days after the event, the formula spread like a forum signature, gaining popularity beyond gaming to become a general adage on digital kindness.
- 2007Wil Wheaton delivers the phrase at PAX on August 24, 2007.
How to use the “Wheaton's Law” meme
- Use this maxim to politely remind an online player to respect their opponents.
- Cite Wheaton’s Law as a foundational principle in online community guidelines.
- Employ the phrase as humorous yet serious advice to defuse social tension.
Also searched as
- Don't be a dick
- Wheaton's rule
- Be kind
- wheaton's law meaning
- wheaton's law origin
- don't be a dick meme
- wil wheaton pax 2007
The “Wheaton's Law” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 20839 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Epic |
| Collection | Memes World series 70 |
| Fame | 80/100 · #37 of 243 |
| Recycle value | 20 MemeCoins (60 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Wheaton's Law” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Wheaton's Law comes out of the Memes World series 70 as an epic card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 20 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Wheaton's Law”
More cards of the Memes World series 70
Frequently asked questions
What does wheaton's law mean?
It refers to the maxim “Don’t be a dick,” advocating for respect and avoiding toxicity in interactions.
Who is wheaton?
Wil Wheaton is an American actor, known for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation and his public commentary on geek culture.
Wheaton's law origin?
The rule comes from Wil Wheaton’s opening keynote speech at the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in August 2007.
How do I get the Wheaton's Law meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Wheaton's Law” is an epic card of the Memes World series 70. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Wheaton's Law card?
It is an Epic card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Wil Wheaton - Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias · The Trouble with Gerrold: Wheaton's Law · Wheaton's Law - Know Your Meme · checked on October 11, 2026.
Read next
Want Wheaton's Law in your collection?
Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.