Wanting: Mimetic Desire: How to Avoid Chasing Things You Don't Truly Want

We imitate what other people want, which affects our choices of partners, friends, careers, clothes, and travel destinations. This is called mimetic desire, and it is responsible for forming our identities. Luke Burgis shares tactics to help turn blind wanting into intentional wanting, to be more in control of the things we want, and to find more meaning in our work and lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Swift Press

A groundbreaking exploration of the underlying reasons behind our desires and a practical guide for liberating ourselves from the pursuit of unfulfilling aspirations.

It is important to recognize that human desires are not independent entities but rather influenced by the desires of others. This phenomenon is known as mimetic desire, where we imitate the desires of those around us, including our partners, friends, colleagues, and even celebrities.

Mimetic desire plays a significant role in shaping our identities and influencing our choices in various aspects of life, such as relationships, careers, and personal preferences. It explains why certain works of literature, such as Shakespeare's plays, remain timeless and relevant, why entrepreneurs like Peter Thiel invest in promising startups, and why the world becomes increasingly divided despite the growth of connectivity.

In his book, "The Desire Map: Guide to Creating What You Want," author Luke Burgis offers valuable insights and tactics for transforming blind wanting into intentional wanting. By developing a deeper understanding of our true desires and learning to align our actions with them, we can gain greater control over our lives and find greater meaning and fulfillment in our work and relationships.

Burgis draws on his experience as an entrepreneur, teacher, and student of classical philosophy to provide practical strategies for cultivating intentional desire. He encourages readers to explore their values, passions, and goals and to create a desire map that serves as a roadmap for achieving their aspirations. Through mindfulness practices, self-reflection, and experimentation, Burgis helps readers develop the skills necessary to make conscious choices that align with their true desires and lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

In conclusion, "The Desire Map" is a transformative book that offers a fresh perspective on human desires and provides practical tools for liberating ourselves from the pursuit of unfulfilling aspirations. By embracing mimetic desire and developing intentional wanting, we can gain greater control over our lives and find greater meaning and fulfillment in our work and relationships.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800750647