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Studies in Violence, Mimesis, and Culture (SVMC)
René Girard's Mimetic Theory
A systematic introduction into the mimetic theory of the French-American literary theorist and philosophical anthropologist René Girard, this essential text explains its three main pillars (mimetic desire, the scapegoat mechanism, and the Biblical “difference”) with the help of examples from literature and philosophy. This book also offers an overview of René Girard’s life and work, showing how much mimetic theory results from existential and spiritual insights into one’s own mimetic entanglements. Furthermore it examines the broader implications of Girard’s theories, from the mimetic aspect of sovereignty and wars to the relationship between the scapegoat mechanism and the question of capital punishment. Mimetic theory is placed within the context of current cultural and political debates like the relationship between religion and modernity, terrorism, the death penalty, and gender issues. Drawing textual examples from European literature (Cervantes, Shakespeare, Goethe, Kleist, Stendhal, Storm, Flaubert, Dostoevsky, Proust) and philosophy (Plato, Camus, Sartre, Lévi-Strauss, Derrida, Vattimo), Palaver uses mimetic theory to explore the themes they present. A highly accessible book, this text is complemented by bibliographical references to Girard’s widespread work and secondary literature on mimetic theory and its applications, comprising a valuable bibliographical archive that provides the reader with an overview of the development and discussion of mimetic theory until the present day.
419 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 2, 2017
I read this to get an introduction to Girard's mimetic desire theory, since I couldn't find Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World on kindle. Girard's theory is seemingly true, and represents a viewquake in my life: "We desire what others desire because we imitate their desires". However, I really didn't enjoy this book (which may be a fault of Girard and not Palaver). To demonstrate the theory, the book shows examples of mimetic desire in historical literature/philosophy, which is an appeal to an almost irrelevant authority. I would have greatly preferred analyzing mimetic desire theory through empirical literature, specially through economics and psychology. Reading this book made me feel like I was reading Marx or Freud, which is a form of scholarship I want to be avoiding.
June 14, 2017
Good intro. Still, I feel a bit skeptical regarding the evidence behind Girard's mimetic theory, despite that his theory "sounds" very true. I think that, from a scientific point of view, girardians should try to provide empirical and historical evidence and stop relying on the literary canon. How can Shakespeare's plays or Dostoyevsky's novels prove anything related to a science like anthropology? Those works can be used as analogies or as instances with a teaching purpose, but their value as an evidence is quite low. It's like trying to solve a crime using stories of Sherlock Holmes as the basis.
In any case, this book has prompted me to read other works by Girard. Reflections on government as a mechanism to avoid civil wars, death penalty as the basis of justice and the proposal that kings/presidents play a scapegoating role are probably the strongest points in this book and force you to look at our political reality with different eyes.
For instance, what to think about the non-personal executive branch of the EU, the European Commission? That is a huge depart from political traditions, as the "executive" should also play a scapegoating role that, in the EU case, is never possible due to its non-personal nature. The very fact that Girard helps the reader to formulate questions like this, places him as a deep thinker and observer of human reality and this book underlines that, despite some shortcomings.
In any case, this book has prompted me to read other works by Girard. Reflections on government as a mechanism to avoid civil wars, death penalty as the basis of justice and the proposal that kings/presidents play a scapegoating role are probably the strongest points in this book and force you to look at our political reality with different eyes.
For instance, what to think about the non-personal executive branch of the EU, the European Commission? That is a huge depart from political traditions, as the "executive" should also play a scapegoating role that, in the EU case, is never possible due to its non-personal nature. The very fact that Girard helps the reader to formulate questions like this, places him as a deep thinker and observer of human reality and this book underlines that, despite some shortcomings.
March 28, 2013
This survey of René Girard's thought is clear, comprehensive, and insightful to a degree that is not surpassed. in ca. 300 pages, Palaver, a longtime colleague of Girard, gives us roughly nine hundred pages worth of material. That is a way of saying that the book requires careful, reflective reading and will continue to be an invaluable reference book for anyone who works with Girard's thought.
Every stage of Girard's professional career is examined to show how his insights developed over time. Particularly valuable is the way Palaver explores the contest of Girard's thought in the intellectual and cultural world around him, featuring interactions between his thought & Freud, Marx, Rousseau, Nietzsche, Hegel & many others. Perhaps most important of all is the comparison with deconstructionist thinkers, especially Derrida. What emerges from all of the comparisons is both common ground of insights with all of these thinkers coupled with sharp, sometimes profound disagreement. The examination of these interactions greatly enriches one's understanding of Girard and equips the reader for continuing these interactions. As an excellent theologian himself, Palaver outdoes himself in his analysis of Girard's theological development, giving the reader one probing insight into the abyss of God's love as it intertwines with our mimetic world.
Since the book is focused on Girard, there is little about Girard's colleagues except for when there was direct and protracted interaction between the two, as there was with the great Innsbruck theologian Raymund Schwager.
I recommend this book without reservation to anyone who wants to explore the work of René Girard or seek understanding about the causes of human violence and what might be done about it.
Every stage of Girard's professional career is examined to show how his insights developed over time. Particularly valuable is the way Palaver explores the contest of Girard's thought in the intellectual and cultural world around him, featuring interactions between his thought & Freud, Marx, Rousseau, Nietzsche, Hegel & many others. Perhaps most important of all is the comparison with deconstructionist thinkers, especially Derrida. What emerges from all of the comparisons is both common ground of insights with all of these thinkers coupled with sharp, sometimes profound disagreement. The examination of these interactions greatly enriches one's understanding of Girard and equips the reader for continuing these interactions. As an excellent theologian himself, Palaver outdoes himself in his analysis of Girard's theological development, giving the reader one probing insight into the abyss of God's love as it intertwines with our mimetic world.
Since the book is focused on Girard, there is little about Girard's colleagues except for when there was direct and protracted interaction between the two, as there was with the great Innsbruck theologian Raymund Schwager.
I recommend this book without reservation to anyone who wants to explore the work of René Girard or seek understanding about the causes of human violence and what might be done about it.
September 4, 2020
You know that you’ve read a good book when you don’t understand half of the words used inside.
René Girard’s Mimetic Theory by Wolfgang Palaver is a detailed dissertation of the mimetic desire concept introduced by René Girard – and not only. Wolfgang Palaver tracks down the text Girard used to construct his theory and adds detailed comments making it easier for us to grasp this theory. Amongst the various explanation of how the mimetic desire is influencing pretty much all of our actions, the text also finds the same theory influencing biblical texts and myths.
All in all, the text explains how and why humans borrow the desire of others and make them their own.
This concept is especially important to understand in our current world. A world where everyone is connected to others, thus, influenced by everyone.
A couple of years ago, you were mainly imitating the behavior of people around your block. Now, you have the chance to look inside the lives of people that are on the other side of the planet.
Why is this bad you might ask yourself?
Well, we all start to dream of getting the same things. But since we can’t all have fame and fortune, we then start to see others who were previously our friends as enemies. As obstacles that are trying to stop us from acquiring what we (all) want.
Today, everybody is imitating someone. But at the same time, we want more people to imitate us. If this doesn’t happen, our self-esteem is crushed.
The key takeaway:
Although there are obvious benefits of imitating people who have achieved more than us, placing yourself as a follower always leads to a downfall. Trying to be someone you’re not will take you further away from who you really are. The only solution is to be your true self. The person you are when there is no one around you.
Full summary:
https://durmonski.com/book-summaries/...
René Girard’s Mimetic Theory by Wolfgang Palaver is a detailed dissertation of the mimetic desire concept introduced by René Girard – and not only. Wolfgang Palaver tracks down the text Girard used to construct his theory and adds detailed comments making it easier for us to grasp this theory. Amongst the various explanation of how the mimetic desire is influencing pretty much all of our actions, the text also finds the same theory influencing biblical texts and myths.
All in all, the text explains how and why humans borrow the desire of others and make them their own.
This concept is especially important to understand in our current world. A world where everyone is connected to others, thus, influenced by everyone.
A couple of years ago, you were mainly imitating the behavior of people around your block. Now, you have the chance to look inside the lives of people that are on the other side of the planet.
Why is this bad you might ask yourself?
Well, we all start to dream of getting the same things. But since we can’t all have fame and fortune, we then start to see others who were previously our friends as enemies. As obstacles that are trying to stop us from acquiring what we (all) want.
Today, everybody is imitating someone. But at the same time, we want more people to imitate us. If this doesn’t happen, our self-esteem is crushed.
The key takeaway:
Although there are obvious benefits of imitating people who have achieved more than us, placing yourself as a follower always leads to a downfall. Trying to be someone you’re not will take you further away from who you really are. The only solution is to be your true self. The person you are when there is no one around you.
Full summary:
https://durmonski.com/book-summaries/...
August 9, 2015
One of the clearest introductions to Girard that I am aware of. The author spends a little more time on his analysis of literature (Girard's starting point), and then tends to move quickly through the implications of mimetic theory, touching even less on directions that it has gone since Girard. Altogether, I got a better feel for the chronological development of Girard's thought and its place in the history of thinking on the topic of mimesis beginning with Plato and Aristotle.
October 2, 2021
You will never see the world the same again.
January 15, 2018
Tour de force on Rene Girad's thought.
Having unsuccessfully tried to read Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World and Violence and the Sacred, I wanted to read a proper introduction to Rene Girad's work before I venture on his writing. Wolfgang Palaver's work is much better than what I originally hoped for.
Girad's singular-grandiose theory is that our desires are mimetic in nature. This mimetic desire along with scapegoat mechanism is the root of all evil and violence. According to Girad, the principle source of violence between humans is its mimetic rivalry resulting from the imitation of model's desire who becomes a rival or a rival's desire who becomes a model. This is especially true when the object of desire cannot be shared. He argues that human beings are not peaceful social species like ants or bees. Therefore the only way to overcome this mimetic rivalry is through following non-violent principles like Sermon on the Mount .
Girard uses mimetic desire explain the origin of myth (which according to him myths are veiled history), globalisation, Religion & modernity, Political institutions etc.
This is a thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
Having unsuccessfully tried to read Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World and Violence and the Sacred, I wanted to read a proper introduction to Rene Girad's work before I venture on his writing. Wolfgang Palaver's work is much better than what I originally hoped for.
Girad's singular-grandiose theory is that our desires are mimetic in nature. This mimetic desire along with scapegoat mechanism is the root of all evil and violence. According to Girad, the principle source of violence between humans is its mimetic rivalry resulting from the imitation of model's desire who becomes a rival or a rival's desire who becomes a model. This is especially true when the object of desire cannot be shared. He argues that human beings are not peaceful social species like ants or bees. Therefore the only way to overcome this mimetic rivalry is through following non-violent principles like Sermon on the Mount .
Girard uses mimetic desire explain the origin of myth (which according to him myths are veiled history), globalisation, Religion & modernity, Political institutions etc.
This is a thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2019
As a comprehensive and lucid summary of Rene Girard's theory of mimetic violence, this book is peerless. Whether it constitutes an "introduction" to Girard's ideas is more problematic. This has more to do with Girard's ideas than Palaver's explanation of them, for Girard's approach to culture is initially rather counter-intuitive. Or if not counter-intuitive, certainly counter to much of our experience and how we have come to explain ourselves to ourselves. Some shift in belief systems is called for. A reality shift. These are not so easy to make.
That said, anyone with a superficial exposure to, and a basic understanding, of Girard's key propositions will find this book immensely helpful and clarifying. The writing is clear (the translation from German particularly good) and not overly academic. Unlike, one might say, the way Girard himself writes. Perhaps we have here the contrast between the French and German academic approach? Furthermore, Palaver's sweep is broad and comprehensive, benefitting from four decades of writing and thinking since first Girard became available.
Highly recommend for readers who are ready.
That said, anyone with a superficial exposure to, and a basic understanding, of Girard's key propositions will find this book immensely helpful and clarifying. The writing is clear (the translation from German particularly good) and not overly academic. Unlike, one might say, the way Girard himself writes. Perhaps we have here the contrast between the French and German academic approach? Furthermore, Palaver's sweep is broad and comprehensive, benefitting from four decades of writing and thinking since first Girard became available.
Highly recommend for readers who are ready.
March 3, 2022
A fantastic introduction to Girard's Mimetic Theory for those like me who want to catch a glimpse of his ideas before jumping into his many books, updated with his last comments and formulations.
Before reading it, I had a thought that the Mimetic Theory was only about people copying each other. The surprise could not be bigger when he displays a whole foundation for our world, going from religion to culture, political power and human relations. It's a whole new way of interpreting our society and even our lives. It's incredible.
Whether you get it from this book or from Girard's books, this theory must be in your bucket list, no doubt.
Before reading it, I had a thought that the Mimetic Theory was only about people copying each other. The surprise could not be bigger when he displays a whole foundation for our world, going from religion to culture, political power and human relations. It's a whole new way of interpreting our society and even our lives. It's incredible.
Whether you get it from this book or from Girard's books, this theory must be in your bucket list, no doubt.
December 27, 2019
I will be the first to say that this isn’t an easy read and yet, it’s one of those books a person should read rather than not. Just mind bending. Rene Girard’s Mimetic theory explains virtually everything. As such, summarizing could be tricky. However, I will still proceed. A theory of culture, and yet a theory of conflict, and yet again, a theory of religion. It explains the triangular structure that guides mimetic desire, metaphysical desire, scapegoat mechanism, the origin of kingship (political power), and also shows the biblical exposure of the scapegoat mechanism. One hell of a ride!
September 26, 2016
Great introduction into the mimetic theory of René Girard. Palaver eloquently describes Girard's mimetic theory explaining that humans do not know what to desire on their own accord. Thereby, they imitate the desire of the other. Palaver presents a good summary of Girard's works and opens up Girard's ideas for further conversation. It is up to the reader to explore beyond Palaver's work to understand mimetic theory in depth.
November 23, 2023
Do you have small kids? If you have small kids, especially if similar of age, and same sex, you will understand how powerful is the idea of mimetic theory, and mimetic violence. You will understand more about events like your 5 year old daughter going berserk on a piece of small toy with her sister. You will understand more about why there was a profound change , when and where ancient religions were replaced by Christianity.
This book helped me to understand the core concept of mimetic desires, and this knowledge is useful not only in theory, but also in real life and practice. How to deal with advertisements, how to deal with envy, how to think about our idols and why are they presented to us.
I also like how scapegoat mechanism and it's transition to religion is being described in detail. There is a good deal of theology in some chapters, where the main idea is how Christianity changed or reversed the scapegoat mechanism, and these chapters are also convincing. In general, this is a good book with some very strong arguments and observations.
My only personal concerns are that from absolutely important and good examinations, I think there are some conclusions which might not be uniquely correct. For example, most of the items could be shared, even the small toy I described could be shared between people on a split-time basis, or the kids could play with it together. That solution would avoid mimetic violence, and it is not discussed in the book unfortunately. In the chapters about religion I do understand why there could be probably an all against all state preceding the scapegoat mechanism, but I doubt that the main roots of such all vs. all conflict would be mimetic. Especially at the ancient times I would imagine that the trigger for that could be originated by natural disasters, and scarcity of necessities.
When you read, you will also have to focus when an idea is coming from Girard , or when it is synthesized by Wolfgang.
Overall I recommend this book if you do not have the time to read the numerous works of Girard, but still want to get introduced to the critical concept of mimetic theory and roots of Christianity.
This book helped me to understand the core concept of mimetic desires, and this knowledge is useful not only in theory, but also in real life and practice. How to deal with advertisements, how to deal with envy, how to think about our idols and why are they presented to us.
I also like how scapegoat mechanism and it's transition to religion is being described in detail. There is a good deal of theology in some chapters, where the main idea is how Christianity changed or reversed the scapegoat mechanism, and these chapters are also convincing. In general, this is a good book with some very strong arguments and observations.
My only personal concerns are that from absolutely important and good examinations, I think there are some conclusions which might not be uniquely correct. For example, most of the items could be shared, even the small toy I described could be shared between people on a split-time basis, or the kids could play with it together. That solution would avoid mimetic violence, and it is not discussed in the book unfortunately. In the chapters about religion I do understand why there could be probably an all against all state preceding the scapegoat mechanism, but I doubt that the main roots of such all vs. all conflict would be mimetic. Especially at the ancient times I would imagine that the trigger for that could be originated by natural disasters, and scarcity of necessities.
When you read, you will also have to focus when an idea is coming from Girard , or when it is synthesized by Wolfgang.
Overall I recommend this book if you do not have the time to read the numerous works of Girard, but still want to get introduced to the critical concept of mimetic theory and roots of Christianity.
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December 5, 2021"I agree with a lot of Rene Girard's philosophies. It's called Mimetic Theory, and the idea is that you're born without preferences and then you kind of just copy what's around you."
December 29, 2024
The last two chapters felt like the author was just trying to add word count to hit his dissertation’s quota. Thankfully, the rest was simply brilliant.
May 20, 2025
The other was able to explain and use René Girard's theory into something really easy to catch.
November 18, 2025
fantastic!
June 11, 2020
You will be hard pressed to find another hedgehog theory like Girard's mimetic theory. Like other 'theories of (almost) everything', this one is a lightning rod for reinterpretations of historical events and everyday experiences with roommates and coworkers.
July 19, 2021
The book was so muddy that I began to doubt the expertise of the author. I'd like to read something by Girard in the future.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews