There’s something incredibly profound about understanding why we want what we want. This idea took root in my mind recently while reflecting on a theory I encountered: René Girard’s mimetic theory.
René Girard, a French historian and literary critic, proposed mimetic theory to explain human behavior and desire. According to Girard, our desires are not our own; rather, they are imitated from others. We look to others to determine what is desirable, creating a cycle of imitation that influences our wants, needs, and actions. Essentially, we want things because others want them, not necessarily because we have an intrinsic desire for them.
Girard also identified a darker aspect of this theory, known as the negative phase of mimetic desire. When two or more individuals desire the same object, rivalry and conflict can arise. This competition can lead to envy, jealousy, and even violence as individuals vie for the same goals or possessions. In extreme cases, this rivalry can escalate to scapegoating, where one individual or group is blamed for the collective tension and conflict, often leading to their exclusion or persecution. This negative phase of mimetic desire reveals how our imitative tendencies can sometimes bring out the worst in us, fueling divisiveness and strife rather than harmony and cooperation.
When I first stumbled upon this theory, it stopped me to think. I began to reflect on moments in my life where my desires mirrored those around me. Growing up, my admiration for my father’s tireless work ethic and resilience in the face of adversity influenced my own drive and ambition. His determination to provide for our family, especially during challenging times, was something I aspired to emulate.
I remember vividly the shift in my own behavior during the early days of the pandemic. My initial excitement for an unexpected break from school quickly turned to concern as I watched my parents struggle with furloughs. My father’s return to construction work reminded me of the importance of perseverance and hard work. In mimicking his actions, I found myself abandoning my leisure activities and joining him in construction, not just out of necessity but out of a growing desire to contribute and support my family.
Girard’s theory illuminates this mimicry. My father’s actions modeled a path of resilience and responsibility that I internalized. This experience shaped my understanding of work ethic, responsibility, and the importance of supporting loved ones in times of need.
But mimetic desire is not limited to personal growth and family dynamics; it permeates every aspect of our lives. Consider social media, where the desires and lifestyles of influencers and celebrities shape our own aspirations. We see curated images of success, beauty, and happiness, and we unconsciously adopt these desires as our own. This can lead to a relentless pursuit of material possessions, status, or experiences that we believe will bring fulfillment, simply because others have deemed them desirable.
Understanding mimetic theory offers a lens through which we can evaluate our motivations. Are our desires genuinely our own, or are they influenced by external models? This awareness can be empowering, allowing us to make more conscious choices about what we pursue and why.
In my journey towards becoming a physician, I strive to embody the positive aspects of mimetic desire. Observing the dedication of my mentors and the compassion they show their patients fuels my own commitment to the medical field. By consciously choosing role models whose values align with my own, I can channel mimetic desire in a way that promotes personal growth and meaningful contributions to society.
In our everyday lives, we can apply Girard’s theory by reflecting on our desires and their origins. Are we striving for goals that resonate with our true selves, or are we caught in a cycle of imitation? By recognizing the influence of mimetic desire, we can reclaim our agency, making deliberate choices that reflect our authentic values and aspirations.
Girard’s mimetic theory is a powerful reminder that our desires are shaped by the world around us. By understanding this, we can navigate our lives with greater awareness, ensuring that our pursuits are meaningful and true to who we are. As we strive to create a better world, let us be mindful of the desires we model for others, fostering a cycle of positive, intentional imitation.