All Desire is a Desire for Being

Rene Girard's theory of mimetic desire explains why humans have a remarkable capacity for conflict, as he identified the constant, competing desires at the heart of our existence that we copy from others, igniting contagious violence. This new selection of his work shows him as a writer for our times, as he ranges over human imitation and rivalry, herd behavior, scapegoating, and how our violent longings play out in stories, from Shakespeare to religion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The renowned philosopher who pioneered the theory of mimetic desire, Rene Girard, delves into the profound question of why humans possess an extraordinary ability for conflict. Spanning from ancient foundational myths to the modern era, Girard identifies the underlying constant desires that fuel our existence: desires that we imitate from others, igniting a contagious violence. In this remarkable and accessible collection of Girard's work, he emerges as a writer for our times, exploring the intricate realms of human imitation, rivalry, herd behavior, scapegoating, and the profound ways in which our violent longings manifest in stories, from Shakespeare to religion.

The contemporary world, characterized by the proliferation of social media, the rise of populism, and the escalating intensity of reciprocal violence, bears a striking resemblance to the Girardian paradigm. This observation suggests that our behavior and societal dynamics are increasingly influenced by the principles articulated by Girard, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human interaction and the forces that shape our world.

The New York Review of Books, in collaboration with Cynthia L. Haven, has curated this essential collection of Girard's writings, providing a comprehensive and insightful exploration of his thought. With an introduction by Haven, readers are guided through Girard's profound insights, shedding light on the mechanisms that drive conflict, the origins of morality, and the potential for transformation and healing in our collective journey toward a more peaceful and harmonious existence.

This collection of Girard's foundational works serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human behavior and the profound implications of mimetic desire. By delving into the origins of conflict and the mechanisms that perpetuate it, Girard offers a roadmap for understanding and addressing the challenges we face in our modern world. Through his visionary perspective, we gain a deeper appreciation of the potential for empathy, compassion, and cooperation, and the transformative power of narrative and symbol in shaping our collective destiny.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241543238