René Girard, Mimesis, and Conflict (with Cynthia Haven)

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Jun 24, 2024

Cynthia Haven, a Stanford University scholar and author of the first biography of René Girard, dives deep into Girard's provocative theories. She discusses mimesis, arguing that our desires often stem from imitating others, which can lead to rivalry and conflict. The conversation explores how religion helps manage chaos, the power of forgiveness to break the cycle of violence, and the complexities of personal faith versus institutional belief. Haven also shares personal anecdotes that illuminate Girard’s warmth and insightful mind.

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INSIGHT

Desire for Being

All desire stems from a longing to be someone else, a desire for their being.
This mimetic desire, while potentially positive for self-improvement, fuels competition and conflict.

ANECDOTE

Granddaughter's Mimesis

Russ Roberts describes his granddaughter imitating adults with a milk carton, highlighting mimesis in early childhood.
This imitation extends to language acquisition, showcasing how humans learn through copying.

INSIGHT

Authenticity Illusion

We fool ourselves into thinking our desires are authentic when they're often imitative.
This self-deception makes us uncomfortable with the idea of not being entirely original.

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