Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life - Luke Burgis
Mimesis, a concept that suggests that our desires are influenced by the desires of the people around us.
Mimetic desire, also known as mimesis, is a concept that suggests that our desires are influenced by the desires of the people around us. It is an innate tendency that we have to imitate the desires of those we admire, leading to a cycle of wanting. This means that we tend to want what others want, and this can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the context.
On the one hand, mimetic desire can inspire us to pursue positive goals and to better ourselves. For example, we may see someone we admire who has achieved great success in their career, and we may be motivated to work hard to achieve similar success. Mimetic desire can also inspire us to be more compassionate, kind, and generous, as we may see others exhibiting these qualities and want to emulate them.
However, on the other hand, mimetic desire can also lead to negative consequences. For example, we may become envious of someone who has something that we want, and this can lead to feelings of resentment and bitterness. We may also engage in rivalry with others, seeking to outdo them in order to prove our worth. In extreme cases, mimetic desire can even lead to violence, as we may be willing to harm others in order to achieve our desires.
Wanting is a thought-provoking book that explores the concept of mimetic desire. The author, Luke Burgis, argues that our desires are shaped by the desires of other people around us. He explains how we unconsciously mimic the desires of those we admire, leading to a never-ending cycle of wanting.
Burgis draws on examples from various fields, including psychology, philosophy, economics, and literature, to demonstrate the power of mimetic desire in our everyday lives. He also examines the negative consequences of mimetic desire, such as envy, rivalry, and violence.
One of the most important points in the book is that mimetic desire is not necessarily a bad thing. Burgis argues that it can be a powerful force for positive change when it is channeled properly. He suggests that we can use our mimetic desire to pursue worthy goals and to inspire others to do the same.
Overall, mimetic desire is a powerful force that can shape our lives in both positive and negative ways. It is important to be aware of this tendency and to use it wisely, channeling it towards positive goals and avoiding the negative consequences of envy, rivalry, and violence.
Wanting is a fascinating and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on the nature of desire and its role in shaping our lives. It is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, or personal development.