The Pomp Podcast

#989 David Perell & Johnathan Bi on Understanding Modern Memetics From René Girard

21 snips
Jun 5, 2022
David Perell, a writer and educator, and Johnathan Bi, a collaborator exploring philosophical themes, delve into the intricate ideas of René Girard. They discuss how mimetic desire influences our decisions and societal interactions. The conversation includes examining Kanye West's journey and the pressures of identity, as well as the impact of prestige on personal success. They reflect on making Girard's philosophy relatable and share insights on the importance of awareness and rest for creativity, sprinkled with amusing anecdotes.
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ANECDOTE

Perell's Shift in Perspective

  • David Perell initially doubted religious ideas, finding them nonsensical.
  • His perspective shifted after encountering Peter Thiel's philosophy, which he traced back to René Girard and the Bible.
INSIGHT

Two Types of Desire

  • René Girard suggests there are two types of desires: physical (for the object itself) and metaphysical (for what the object represents).
  • People often claim physical desire while truly motivated by metaphysical desire, seeking social status through possessions.
ANECDOTE

Mimetic Desire in Children

  • Children's desire for toys is often driven by others' wanting them, not inherent qualities.
  • This illustrates Girard's mimetic theory, where desires are copied, influencing venture capital and dating dynamics.
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