In Wanting, Luke Burgis introduces readers to the concept of “mimetic desire,” a theory developed by French polymath René Girard.
Burgis explains that humans do not desire independently; rather, we look to models, other people, to determine what is worth wanting.
This hidden force shapes everything from our career paths and relationships to the stocks we buy and the conflicts we engage in.
The book illustrates how mimetic desire can lead to destructive cycles of envy and rivalry, as people compete for the same things simply because others desire them.
Burgis offers a toolkit for identifying these mimetic forces and regaining control over one’s own life.
He distinguishes between “thin” desires (fleeting and imitative) and “thick” desires (deeply fulfilling and personal).
By learning to identify the models that influence us, readers can break free from the herd mentality of trends and bubbles.
Wanting ultimately provides a roadmap for intentional living, helping individuals find meaning by desiring differently and cultivating independence from the chaotic whims of the crowd.
Key Takeaways:
- Human desire is mimetic, meaning we imitate what others want.
- Mimetic desire fuels competition, anxiety, and social conflict.
- Identifying “thick” desires helps us break free from unfulfilling imitative cycles.
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