The Art of Manliness

Thick Desires, Political Atheism, and Living an Anti-Mimetic Life

Jul 10, 2023

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.

43:59

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Episode guests

Luke Burgis

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Quick takeaways

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.

Thin Desires vs Thick Desires: Cultivating the Real

01:53

The Role of Memetic Desire in Influencing Our Wants and Desires

01:42

Agency vs Autonomy in Modern Life

01:21

Regulating Media Consumption and Cultivating Diverse Relationships for an Informed Vote

01:14

Intro

3min

Exploring Thick and Thin Desires

23min

Understanding Autonomy vs. Agency in Modern Life

3min

Reclaiming Time: Intentional Living Beyond Mimetic Desires

5min

The Value of Unproductive Time and Alternative Rhythms of Life

2min

Exploring Political Atheism

11min

Encouraging Political Atheism Through Anti-Mimetic Living

2min

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.

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Connect With Luke Burgis

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The Art of Manliness

Thick Desires, Political Atheism, and Living an Anti-Mimetic Life

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The concept of mimetic desire and its influence on our desires and actions.

Cultivating thick desires and resisting thin desires.

The concept of political atheism and its relevance in our current political climate.

The importance of rhythm, time, and agency in living an anti-memetic life.

Navigating the intense political atmosphere during an election cycle.

Thin Desires vs Thick Desires: Cultivating the Real

The Role of Memetic Desire in Influencing Our Wants and Desires

Agency vs Autonomy in Modern Life

Regulating Media Consumption and Cultivating Diverse Relationships for an Informed Vote

Resources Related to the Podcast

Connect With Luke Burgis

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
& Export

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

The Art of Manliness

Thick Desires, Political Atheism, and Living an Anti-Mimetic Life

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The concept of mimetic desire and its influence on our desires and actions.

Cultivating thick desires and resisting thin desires.

The concept of political atheism and its relevance in our current political climate.

The importance of rhythm, time, and agency in living an anti-memetic life.

Navigating the intense political atmosphere during an election cycle.

Thin Desires vs Thick Desires: Cultivating the Real

The Role of Memetic Desire in Influencing Our Wants and Desires

Agency vs Autonomy in Modern Life

Regulating Media Consumption and Cultivating Diverse Relationships for an Informed Vote

Resources Related to the Podcast

Connect With Luke Burgis

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
& Export

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podcast player

Discover
highlights