Definition
Mimetic Theory, developed by René Girard, posits that human desire is not autonomous or original, but imitative. We do not know what to want, so we look to others (models) to see what they want, and then we desire the same things.
Why It Matters
Misunderstanding mimetic desire leads to ‘scapegoating’ and cycles of retaliatory violence in organizations and societies. By recognizing that we often want what others want simply because they want it, we can avoid toxic competition and build more conscious, less reactive communities.
Core Concepts
- Mimetic Desire: Desiring an object because someone else desires it. This is the root of fashion, trends, and social status.
- Mimetic Rivalry: When two people desire the same object (which cannot be shared), they stop focusing on the object and start focusing on each other. They become rivals, and their similarity fuels the conflict.
- The Scapegoat Mechanism: When mimetic rivalry threatens to destroy a community, the community subconsciously selects a single victim (the scapegoat) to blame for the chaos. Sacrificing or exiling the scapegoat restores temporary peace.
- Monopoly vs. Competition: Peter Thiel applies this to business: Competition is a form of mimetic rivalry where companies become obsessed with their rivals instead of their customers.