Wanting

We want what other people want because other people want it.

We want what other people want because other people want it. Imitation is fundamental to human nature. From infancy, we learn by imitating others. This extends to our desires - we want things because we see others wanting them. René Girard called this "mimetic desire." It explains why trends catch on, why we suddenly crave what's popular, and how our social circles shape our ambitions. Models mediate our desires. We don't simply want objects directly. Rather, we want them because someone else - a model - makes them appear desirable. This creates triangular relationships between the subject (us), the model, and the object of desire. Understanding this dynamic reveals the hidden forces behind much of human behavior and culture. Mimetic desire can be positive or destructive. On one hand, it allows us to learn and develop culture. On the other, it can lead to envy, rivalry, and conflict when we compete for the same objects of desire. Being aware of mimetic influences in our lives allows us to make more intentional choices about what we pursue.

There are always models of desire. If you don't know yours, they are probably wreaking havoc in your life. Celebristan is the world of external mediators - models who are distant or unreachable, like celebrities. We can openly admire and imitate them without threat of rivalry. Freshmanistan is the world of internal mediators - models who are close to us socially. Here, imitation often leads to rivalry and conflict. In Celebristan: Models are distant (e.g. celebrities, historical figures) Open imitation is acceptable Little risk of direct rivalry In Freshmanistan: Models are socially close (e.g. peers, colleagues) Imitation is often hidden or unconscious High risk of rivalry and conflict Social media has expanded Freshmanistan , bringing more potential models into our immediate social sphere. This increases mimetic pressures and rivalries. Being aware of which world we're operating in helps us navigate mimetic influences more skillfully.

Each person must ask what his relationship is to the scapegoat. Mimetic crises occur when rivalries intensify and differences between people break down. As desires converge on the same objects, violence threatens to erupt. Historically, societies have used scapegoating to restore order and diffuse this violence. The scapegoat mechanism: A mimetic crisis reaches a boiling point The community unites against a scapegoat The scapegoat is expelled or killed Peace is temporarily restored While effective at containing violence, scapegoating is fundamentally unjust. It sacrifices an innocent victim to preserve social order. Recognizing this mechanism at work in society and in our own behavior is crucial for breaking cycles of violence and blame.