Modern Wisdom #344 - Luke Burgis - Mimetic Desire: Why Do We Want?
27 snips
Jul 8, 2021 
Luke Burgis, an entrepreneur and author, dives into the fascinating world of mimetic desire, revealing how our wants often mirror those of others. He discusses why you're tempted to pursue a Brazilian butt lift and the alchemical nature of mimesis. Listen in as he explores how this phenomenon can lead to scapegoating, the rivalry between Lamborghini and Ferrari, and the societal implications of our imitative desires. Burgis also offers valuable insights on reclaiming personal agency amidst the overwhelming influence of social media.
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Mimetic Desire
- We often believe we independently create our desires.
- However, mimetic desire suggests we copy others' wants.
Mimesis and Human Nature
- Mimetic desire likely evolved to facilitate culture and language development.
- It's a fundamental human trait influencing various aspects of life, from politics to markets.
Mimesis as Alchemy
- Mimesis creates perceived value, turning worthless things into desired objects.
- Marketers and those skilled in dating understand and utilize this principle.
