I See Satan Fall Like Lightning with Robert Breedlove (WiM521)
Oct 11, 2024
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Delve into René Girard's theory of mimetic desire that shapes our social interactions and rivalries. Explore how newborns imitate actions, revealing the fundamental nature of human imitation. The conversation touches on the implications of mirror neurons in behavior and the chaos that envy can create within societies. Discover the philosophical connections between mythology, violence, and personal transformation, highlighting the teachings of Jesus as a pathway to healing and growth.
Mimetic desire illustrates how human actions and choices are shaped by imitating cultural and social influences rather than innate rationality.
The discovery of mirror neurons emphasizes the biological foundation of imitation, showing that humans are hardwired to mimic behaviors from infancy.
Girard's framework reveals that scapegoating often stems from collective mimetic rivalry, diverting attention from shared issues within communities.
Deep dives
Understanding Mimesis in Human Nature
Mimesis refers to an unconscious process where individuals imitate each other's desires, leading to rivalry and scapegoating. This concept highlights that human desire is not innate but acquired through cultural influences, challenging the notion presented by Aristotle that humans are purely rational beings. The process of imitation is evident from infancy, as babies naturally mirror the expressions and behaviors of those around them, indicating that this mimetic ability is hardwired. Such insights emphasize the deep extent to which humans are shaped by their interactions and the subtle, often overlooked mechanisms influencing behavior.
The Role of Models in Imitative Behavior
In Girard's framework, individuals who exhibit desirable traits and behaviors become models for others to imitate, driving cultural and social dynamics. Infants exhibit this behavior as soon as they are born, highlighting the foundational role of imitation in human development. This tendency to adopt the behaviors of those considered models extends throughout life, impacting personal relationships, identity formation, and even professional aspirations. It also raises critical questions about the implications of role models in society, as they can greatly influence both constructive behaviors and unhealthy rivalry.
Cultural Exchange and Mimetic Desire
Mimetic desire is also viewed as a primary form of cultural exchange, shaping societal values, norms, and behaviors as people unconsciously adopt the desires of others. This is particularly relevant in contexts such as fashion, media, and other cultural industries, where individuals are influenced by models of desirability and status. The competitive nature of mimetic desire can lead to conflicts, particularly in a world constrained by scarcity, where competing for the same resources fosters rivalry. Girard’s cultural analysis suggests that understanding these dynamics could lead to more harmonious social structures and the avoidance of violent outcomes.
Scapegoating and the Mechanism of Violence
Girard's theory posits that mimesis can culminate in collective violence when individuals in a community collectively blame a single victim, known as scapegoating. This mechanism operates under the false belief that the victim is responsible for the community's troubles, effectively diverting attention from the underlying, shared mimetic processes that have caused the conflict. Historical patterns reveal that such dynamics have been foundational to social structures and rituals, as societies have often turned to sacrifice as a means to restore peace. This cyclical behavior underscores the inherent dangers of unchecked mimetic rivalry and highlights the importance of recognizing these patterns for societal healing.
The Christian Perspective and Transcending Violence
Girard argues that the Gospels present a transformative view of violence and victimization through the narrative of Christ, who embodies innocence despite being wrongly executed. Unlike traditional myths that perpetuate the cycle of scapegoating, the Christian account reframes the victim's perspective, prompting a profound reconsideration of justice and human behavior. By making the unconscious mechanisms of mimesis visible, Christianity offers a path toward transcending destructive patterns, urging followers to embrace love and forgiveness instead of rivalry and violence. This paradigm shift invites a collective movement towards greater self-awareness and moral responsibility in the face of humanity's imitative nature.
