EconTalk
René Girard, Mimesis, and Conflict (with Cynthia Haven)
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.
54:28
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Desire stems from imitation, fueling competition and conflict in the pursuit of self-realization.
- Religion historically served to manage societal violence through scapegoating rituals, temporarily diffusing tensions.
Deep dives
Life and Career of René Girard
René Girard, born in 1923, had a multifaceted career that spanned from Avignon to Stanford University. His academic pursuits ranged from studying American and French opinion post-war to delving into the history of Avignon and the 14th-15th century at the École des Charts. Girard's unique journey eventually led him to America, with significant academic stints at Indiana, Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Bryn Mawr before settling at Stanford in 1980. Bridging disciplines, his work explored the concept of mimesis, delving into how imitation fuels human behavior.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
