Man is the creature who does not know what to desire, and he turns to others in order to make up his mind. We desire what others desire because we imitate their desires.
RENÉ GIRARD, VIOLENT ORIGINS
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Imitation, Desire, Violence, Religion, Culture….
Mimetic or Imitative Theory is an explanation of human behavior and human culture. Human beings imitate each other in everything, including desire. As a result they choose the same objects and compete for them. Paradoxically, therefore, the same imitative force as brings people together, pulls them apart. The mimetic theory claims that this misunderstood phenomenon is the most important cause of human violence, and that vengeance is the most important form it takes. More
Photo credit: Elizabeth Bailie
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Research Projects
Pursuing new lines of inquiry around Mimetic Theory, its impact and significance across the human sciences. |
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Education ProjectsFostering greater teaching and study of Mimetic Theory and its application. |
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Publication ProjectsSupporting the translation and publication of key works on Mimetic Theory worldwide. |
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Featured PaperFROM ANIMAL TO HUMAN: WHAT MIMETIC THEORY BRINGS TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF CULTURAL EVOLUTIONAuthors: Pierpaolo Antonello and Paul Gifford Briefing Papers - Adobe PDF reader required. |
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COV&R 2010 registration is open
Gather at Notre Dame University this summer to discuss, Transforming Violence: Cult, Culture and Acculturation
Mimetic Theory meeting in Bogota June 9th, 2010
Scholars, writers, researchers and teachers from across Central And South America will gather in Bogota in June to...
In theory: Mimetic desire
Nearly 50 years on, René Girard's theory remains a powerfully illuminating insight into both literature and the world.
Imitatio launches European Summer School – July 2010
The course will give a thorough introduction to Mimetic Theory as formulated by René Girard and his students
IMAGE, literary and arts journal, explains mimetic desire…
Mankind’s basic urge is not want, as Marx might have it, or sex, as Freud would, but desire.