Man is the creature who does not know what to desire, and he turns to others in order to make up his mind. We desire what others desire because we imitate their desires.
RENÉ GIRARD, VIOLENT ORIGINS
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Imitation, Desire, Violence, Religion, Culture….
Mimetic or Imitative Theory is an explanation of human behavior and human culture. Human beings imitate each other in everything, including desire. As a result they choose the same objects and compete for them. Paradoxically, therefore, the same imitative force as brings people together, pulls them apart. The mimetic theory claims that this misunderstood phenomenon is the most important cause of human violence, and that vengeance is the most important form it takes. More
Photo credit: Elizabeth Bailie
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Research Projects
Pursuing new lines of inquiry around Mimetic Theory, its impact and significance across the human sciences. |
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Education ProjectsFostering greater teaching and study of Mimetic Theory and its application. |
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Publication ProjectsSupporting the translation and publication of key works on Mimetic Theory worldwide. |
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Featured PaperFROM ANIMAL TO HUMAN: WHAT MIMETIC THEORY BRINGS TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF CULTURAL EVOLUTIONAuthors: Pierpaolo Antonello and Paul Gifford Briefing Papers - Adobe PDF reader required. |
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Raven Foundation Essay Winner
To broaden awareness of mimetic theory, the Raven Foundation sponsored a contest for the essay that best communicates...
Mimetic Theory in Latin America
Imitatio invited a number of Latin-American researchers and teachers who make use of Mimetic Theory in their work to...
Imitatio launches European Summer School – July 2010
The course will give a thorough introduction to Mimetic Theory as formulated by René Girard and his students
UTNE Reader names René Girard one of 50 visionaries...
According to this French-born intellectual’s mimetic theory, imitation is the root of human culture. More Americans...
In theory: Mimetic desire
Nearly 50 years on, René Girard's theory remains a powerfully illuminating insight into both literature and the world.