René Girard, Mimetic Theory, & Making the Process the Reward - Johnathan Bi
Jan 6, 2025
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Johnathan Bi, a FinTech entrepreneur and philosopher with a focus on René Girard, dives into the fascinating world of mimetic theory. He explains how our desires are often shaped by societal comparisons, revealing ways to cultivate genuine fulfillment. The conversation touches on the scapegoat mechanism and its historical relevance, contrasting physical with metaphysical desires. Bi emphasizes the importance of pursuing interests for their own sake, and how our social dynamics can subtly steer our decision-making processes.
Understanding mimetic desire helps individuals make informed choices by recognizing how others' aspirations influence their own.
The scapegoat mechanism illustrates how societies temporarily resolve conflicts by targeting perceived enemies, revealing deeper ethical concerns.
Focusing on intrinsic motivation and enjoying the process fosters greater fulfillment and success compared to pursuing external goals.
Deep dives
The Importance of Enjoying the Process
Engaging in activities for the enjoyment of the process, rather than solely for a desired outcome, tends to lead to greater fulfillment and success. Many individuals find that pursuits driven by intrinsic motivation yield more satisfying results than those based on extrinsic goals. An example is switching careers from tech to intellectual endeavors, where the journey of exploration and discovery becomes the primary reward, overshadowing the fear of failure. This shift in focus from end goals to the enjoyment of the journey encourages a more enriching experience in both personal and professional life.
Understanding Mimetic Desire
Mimetic theory posits that human desires are often influenced by the aspirations of others rather than the objects themselves. For instance, people may develop an intense longing for a popular product, such as an iPhone, not purely for its features, but because of its association with status and desirability seen in celebrities. This concept reveals an underlying insecurity where individuals believe that by acquiring certain objects or relationships, they can achieve a sense of completeness. By being aware of mimetic desire, one can recognize the influence of external factors on personal aspirations and make more informed choices.
The Scapegoat Mechanism in Society
The scapegoat mechanism reflects a societal tendency to blame a specific individual or group for widespread issues, generating a temporary peace through collective catharsis. This mechanism has historically allowed societies to navigate conflicts by uniting against a perceived enemy, exemplified by events such as Nazi Germany's targeting of scapegoats. While this can stabilize societal tensions, it often relies on deceit and violence, indicating a foundational fragility within social structures. Understanding this concept highlights the ethical implications of scapegoating, prompting a reflection on the moral responsibilities during times of societal strife.
Metaphysical vs. Physical Desire
In mimetic theory, the distinction between metaphysical and physical desires is crucial to understanding human motivation. Metaphysical desires are driven by societal ideals and the quest for recognition, often leading to a hollow pursuit of status or material success. Conversely, physical desires stem from inherent appreciation for experiences and activities that bring joy, unrestricted by others' opinions. The interplay between these desires shapes one's life choices and overall happiness, with a healthy balance advocating for pursuing passions that foster genuine fulfillment rather than succumbing to societal pressures.
The Complex Nature of Desire and Recognition
Recognition plays a vital role in shaping human aspirations and social behavior, where people often seek validation from others. Rather than attempting to eliminate the need for recognition, embracing it and being selective about those whose approval is valued can lead to healthier motivations. This conscious choice enables individuals to establish nurturing relationships that affirm their worth and diminish the influence of negative societal pressures. Ultimately, the awareness of how recognition operates allows for a more authentic and fulfilling approach to personal development.
Johnathan Bi introduces the key insights of René Girard’s Mimetic Theory and its surprising practical applications.
Expect to learn:
— How understanding the hidden forces behind our desires can help us break free from societal pressures, improve our decision-making, and create a life we truly love.
— The scapegoat mechanism and how this kept peace in ancient societies for thousands of years until the advent of Christianity
— The difference between physical desires and metaphysical desires, as well as the importance of doing things for their own sake.
And more.
You can learn more about Johnathan’s work at https://www.johnathanbi.com.
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Jonathan Bi is an entrepreneur working on a startup in FinTech and a philosopher focusing on Buddhist philosophy, Continental philosophy, and specifically the work of Rene Girard. Among his many projects he and David Perell have created a seven session video course on the ideas of Rene Girard. Originally from China, Jonathan also grew up in Canada, and studied computer science at Columbia.
You can learn more about Johnathan’s work at https://www.johnathanbi.com.
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Interview Links:
— Jonathan Bi’s website - https://www.johnathanbi.com
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