Mimetic desire is a psychological phenomenon that has been studied and analyzed by various currents of thought throughout history. It is a concept that refers to the desire that arises in individuals from imitating the desires of others, rather than arising from internal or personal motivation. In this article we will explore in detail what mimetic desire is, how it affects us in our daily lives and what are the possible causes underlying this very common phenomenon in human psychology.
Origins and development of the concept
The concept of mimetic desire was popularized by the French philosopher and sociologist René Girard in the 1960s. Girard proposed that human beings have an innate tendency to imitate the desires and behaviors of others, which can lead to conflicts and rivalries in social interactions. According to Girard, mimetic desire is a powerful force underlying much of human activity, from choosing consumer products to forming friendships and romantic relationships.
Girard's theory is based on the idea that individuals do not develop their desires independently, but rather acquire them through observation and imitation of the desires of others. This process of imitation can give rise to what Girard calls "triangular desire", in which two individuals compete for the same object of desire, which can generate conflict and rivalry between them.
Impact in our lives
Mimetic desire has a significant impact on our daily lives, as it influences our decisions, preferences and behaviors unconsciously. For example, advertising and marketing heavily capitalize on mimetic desire, presenting attractive products and lifestyles that become objects of desire for the general public. In this way, people are led to imitate the desires of others, instead of following their own inclinations.
Mimetic desire can also manifest itself in our interpersonal relationships, where the imitation of desires and behaviors of others can lead to conflicts and rivalries. For example, in a group of friends, imitating the tastes and preferences of one of the members can generate implicit tensions and competitions among the others, especially if everyone seeks the approval and admiration of the same person.
Underlying causes
The causes of mimetic desire are diverse and complex, and have been the subject of study by psychologists, sociologists and philosophers over the years. Some of the possible causes of mimetic desire include:
- Social imitation: Imitation of the desires and behaviors of others can be an adaptive strategy for integrating into a group. social pressure and gain acceptance and recognition.
- Peer pressure: Social pressure and the desire to belong can lead people to imitate the desires and behaviors of others, even if they go against their own inclinations.
- Reference models: Exposure to reference models, whether real people or public figures, can influence the formation of desires for an individual and encourage their imitation.
- Scarcity and rivalry: The perception of scarcity of a desired object or resource can increase competition and imitation of desires among individuals , generating conflicts and rivalries.
In summary, mimetic desire is a complex psychological phenomenon that greatly influences our decisions and behaviors in daily life. Understanding the causes and effects of this phenomenon can help us be more aware of our own motivations and have greater autonomy in decision-making. By recognizing the influence of mimetic desire in our lives, we can seek ways to build a more authentic and genuine identity and sense of desires, rather than blindly following the imitative impulses around us.