Wanting by Luke Burgis
In this episode of SummaryPedia, we delve into Wanting by Luke Burgis, which explores how human desires are largely shaped by others, through a concept known as “mimetic theory.” Burgis uncovers how this imitation influences our wants, ambitions, and social dynamics, while also offering strategies to identify and shape our authentic desires.
Who May Benefit from the Book
- Entrepreneurs seeking to understand consumer behavior.
- Professionals looking to enhance their decision-making skills.
- Psychology enthusiasts interested in the nature of human desire.
- Leaders aiming to cultivate a meaningful workplace culture.
- Educators and mentors guiding personal or professional growth.
- Individuals desiring deeper self-awareness.
Top 3 Key Insights
- Mimetic Desire Shapes Our Wants: We desire things others desire, influenced by social cues.
- Internal vs. External Mediation: Different types of models affect our desires uniquely, with social proximity intensifying rivalry.
- Scapegoating as a Social Mechanism: Societies resolve tension by targeting a scapegoat, though often unjust.
7 More Lessons and Takeaways
- Imitation is Fundamental to Human Nature: From childhood, we learn by copying others, a behavior that extends into adult desires.
- Social Circles Shape Our Ambitions: Proximity to certain role models impacts our aspirations and choices.
- Positive vs. Destructive Mimetic Desire: Mimetic desire can foster growth or lead to rivalry and envy.
- Celebristan vs. Freshmanistan: “Celebristan” represents distant role models, while “Freshmanistan” involves closer peers, often leading to rivalry.
- Destructive Scapegoating Cycle: Scapegoating resolves group conflicts temporarily but sacrifices justice for harmony.
- The Power of Thick vs. Thin Desires: Lasting fulfillment comes from “thick” desires rooted in values, while “thin” desires are fleeting and shallow.
- Transcendent Leadership: Inspiring leaders direct people toward desires that elevate individuals and communities.
The Book in 1 Sentence
Our desires are deeply influenced by others, often without our awareness, shaping our choices, ambitions, and social conflicts.
The Book Summary in 1 Minute
Luke Burgis’s Wanting explores René Girard’s theory of mimetic desire, where human wants are shaped through imitation. This imitation can lead to positive or destructive cycles, depending on who and what we imitate. Burgis explains the difference between external and internal models of desire and how each affects our behaviors and rivalries. He also highlights the scapegoat mechanism, often used in society to resolve conflict, and argues for the power of cultivating “thick” desires that align with personal values. Finally, he encourages transcendent leadership to foster meaningful, value-based aspirations in ourselves and others.
The Book Summary in 10 Minutes
Mimetic Desire and Its Influence on Behavior
Mimetic Desire: Coined by philosopher René Girard, mimetic desire is the tendency to want things because we observe others wanting them. This imitation drives much of human behavior, from consumer trends to social conflicts. Burgis highlights how mimetic forces subtly guide us in selecting what we pursue.
Triangular Structure of Desire
Our desires don’t exist in isolation. Instead, they follow a triangular pattern involving:
- The Subject (us)
- The Model (a person we observe or aspire to be like)
- The Object (the thing we want)
By observing our models, we start to desire what they have or represent, creating a chain of imitation that can lead to personal fulfillment or rivalry, depending on how we interact with these models.
Celebristan vs. Freshmanistan: Two Realms of Imitation
Burgis describes two realms where mimetic desire plays out:
- Celebristan: The world of celebrities and unattainable icons, where imitation is harmless and aspirational.
- Freshmanistan: The realm of close social circles, where imitation can lead to rivalry due to the proximity and competition among individuals.
Navigating Celebristan
In Celebristan, imitation usually has fewer consequences because the models are distant and unobtainable. We may imitate a celebrity’s lifestyle without direct competition, as they occupy a socially distant space.
Navigating Freshmanistan
In Freshmanistan, our models are peers or colleagues, leading to closer proximity and the risk of rivalry. The desire for the same goals or status can create friction in relationships, making awareness of this dynamic essential to avoid conflict.
The Scapegoat Mechanism
In times of social tension, mimetic rivalry can lead to scapegoating, where communities project their frustrations onto a single individual or group to resolve tension. Historically, this has served as a way to unify communities at the expense of justice, often targeting an innocent party. Burgis emphasizes the importance of recognizing scapegoating tendencies in society to avoid repeating these patterns.
The Flywheel of Positive Desires
Positive desire cycles are self-reinforcing. When we align our goals with personal values and pursue them with a clear, supportive environment, it creates a flywheel effect of satisfaction and motivation. Key elements include:
- Setting meaningful goals
- Achieving incremental wins
- Fostering positive social influences
Burgis uses the example of chef Sébastien Bras, who relinquished his Michelin stars to pursue a more personal and fulfilling culinary path, demonstrating a cycle of autonomy and satisfaction.
Thick vs. Thin Desires
Burgis distinguishes between “thick” desires, which are deeply tied to values and personal meaning, and “thin” desires, which are superficial and fleeting. Pursuing thick desires often leads to greater long-term fulfillment, whereas thin desires, swayed by trends or peer pressure, result in short-lived satisfaction and frequent disappointment.
| Thick Desires | Thin Desires |
|---|---|
| Aligned with values and purpose | Driven by social pressure |
| Develop over time | Often immediate and fleeting |
| Lead to lasting fulfillment | Cause cycles of craving |
Transcendent Leadership: Inspiring Noble Wants
Transcendent leadership shifts people’s desires toward goals that are inherently valuable and beneficial to society. Instead of satisfying shallow desires, transcendent leaders cultivate a culture where people pursue noble, meaningful aspirations. Examples include Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, who inspired people to reach beyond individual wants.
Managing Mimesis for a Better Future
Recognizing and managing mimetic forces is crucial for a healthy, fulfilling life. Burgis suggests strategies to foster positive mimesis, including cultivating self-awareness, seeking diverse influences, and creating intentional spaces for reflection.
About the Author
Luke Burgis is an entrepreneur, educator, and director of programs at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America. A graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Business and with a background in philosophy and theology, Burgis has founded various companies and is an advocate for creating businesses that promote well-being. He regularly writes on mimetic theory, business, and culture.
How to Get the Best of the Book
To maximize insights from Wanting, reflect on your motivations and identify patterns in your desires. Consider which desires align with personal values, and create a plan for cultivating thick desires that promote lasting fulfillment and social harmony.
Conclusion
Wanting offers an enlightening look at how our desires are shaped by social forces, guiding us to greater awareness and intentionality in pursuing what truly matters. Burgis provides practical strategies to overcome mimetic traps, allowing us to cultivate authentic aspirations and inspire others in a meaningful way.