Thick Desires, Political Atheism, and Living an Anti-Mimetic Life
Jul 10, 2023
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In this engaging discussion, Luke Burgis, an entrepreneur, professor, and author known for his exploration of mimetic desire, delves into the concepts of 'thick desires' and 'political atheism.' He emphasizes the importance of crafting authentic aspirations away from societal pressures and the need for intentional living. Luke critiques the pervasive influence of modern politics and encourages listeners to explore alternative rhythms in life, highlighting the value of unproductive time for reflection, ultimately advocating for a more fulfilling, individualized existence.
Cultivating thick desires can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Being a political atheist involves rejecting the idolization of political figures and prioritizing personal agency.
Creating rhythm and intentional choices help reclaim agency and resist the constant pull of mimetic desires.
Deep dives
The concept of mimetic desire and its influence on our desires and actions.
Mimetic desire refers to our tendency to imitate the desires of others, shaping our own desires and actions. This imitation can lead to conflict and rivalry as we compete for the same objects of desire. Our powers of imitation go beyond surface-level behaviors, extending to our deepest desires. By being aware of our mimetic tendencies, we can resist the negative consequences and cultivate thick desires that are more authentic and fulfilling.
Cultivating thick desires and resisting thin desires.
Thin desires are fleeting and superficial, while thick desires have depth and continuity. Thick desires require effort and work to cultivate, but they bring more satisfaction and meaning to our lives. By aligning our media consumption with our values, curating our choices, and immersing ourselves in real experiences, we can nourish our thick desires and resist the shallow temptations of thin desires. It's important to understand that thick desires may be hard to start but are ultimately more fulfilling and meaningful.
The concept of political atheism and its relevance in our current political climate.
Political atheism, coined by Rene Girard, refers to the rejection of idolizing political leaders, parties, or systems. It involves distancing oneself from the sacralization of politics, recognizing that worldly politics cannot fulfill the role of a savior. Being a political atheist does not mean disengaging from politics entirely, but rather maintaining critical distance and perspective. It's about rejecting the demand to believe in or idolize political figures and instead focusing on personal agency, relationships, and cultivating thick desires outside of the political realm.
The importance of rhythm, time, and agency in living an anti-memetic life.
In a world dominated by fast-moving, algorithm-driven time, it is essential to create rhythm and intentional choices in our lives. By regulating our media consumption, aligning our time with deep desires, and embracing practices that provide perspective and distance from the political frenzy, we can reclaim agency and create a more fulfilling existence. Cultivating relationships, engaging in activities outside of politics, and finding alternate sources of inspiration can help us resist the constant pull of mimetic desires, allowing us to live more intentional and anti-memetic lives.
Navigating the intense political atmosphere during an election cycle.
During a presidential election cycle, it can be challenging to maintain an anti-memetic perspective. The constant inundation of media, polarizing rhetoric, and heightened emotions can be overwhelming. To navigate this, it is crucial to regulate media consumption, seek alternative perspectives, and maintain critical distance. Hosting gatherings that bring diverse viewpoints together, celebrating genuine relationships, and focusing on personal values can help ground us amidst the political chaos and allow for greater clarity and discernment.
The last time we had entrepreneur, professor, and author Luke Burgis on the show, he discussed the concept of mimetic desire, which says that we want the things we want because other people want them. Since that time, Luke has continued to explore the idea of mimesis, and how to resist its negative consequences, in his Substack: Anti-Mimetic. Today on the show, Luke and I dig into these ideas and discuss ways we can step outside the tempo, cadences, and priorities that the world would foist upon us and establish our own rhythms for our lives. Luke unpacks what it means to have “thick desires” and become a “political atheist” and how these concepts can help you live a more anti-mimetic life.
