What is mimetic desire?
Mimetic desire is the lynchpin of mimetic theory. For Girard, all desire is mimetic – imitative. What that means is that because the objects of desire are not fixed, but changeable and varied, we have to learn what to desire from others. Our choice of objects to desire depends on imitating the desires of others. This means that desire for something does not originate because of the object’s intrinsic value. Neither does it arise spontaneously from within. We do not desire on our own, but we imitate the desires of others.
Related Questions
- Once we understand mimetic desire and how it operates, how can we use mimetic theory to handle conflict in positive ways?
- In what social systems or institutions, besides religion, might we see mimetic desire at work?
- What role does ritual play in mimetic desire, sacrifice and the formation of culture?
