The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg cover image

The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Repeat After Mimesis

Jul 4, 2024
Author and professor Luke Burgis enlightens listeners on mimetic theory, discussing human desires, tribalism, and violence. Topics include nepotism, institutional failures, mob mentalities, and the importance of institutions in society.
01:34:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mimetic desire leads to rivalry and conflict as humans imitate shared desires.
  • Scapegoating unites societies against individuals or groups without positive models.

Deep dives

Rene Girard and Mimetic Desire

Rene Girard, a French academic, introduced the concept of mimetic desire, which suggests that humans imitate the desires of others. This theory challenges the belief that human desires are autonomous, highlighting that desires are socially formed in relationships. Girard's theory explains that mimetic desire leads to rivalry and conflict as individuals compete for shared desires.

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