This podcast is an interview with Luke Burgis, author of "Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life," exploring René Girard's mimetic theory. The conversation covers Burgis's career shift from investment banking to entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of mimetic desire in shaping his decisions and the importance of identifying both positive and negative models of desire. Burgis emphasizes the concept of "thick desires"—enduring, fundamental desires—as opposed to fleeting, imitative ones, suggesting that cultivating these enduring desires leads to greater fulfillment. He also discusses the impact of social media on mimetic desire and the importance of building positive "flywheels of desire" through intentional habits and rituals. A key takeaway is the need to consciously choose our models of desire and cultivate relationships that reinforce positive behaviors.
