Mimetic Desire (Girard)
We do not want things directly; we want what admired others want, and the model's desire is the signal. Most 'keeping up' is imitation of a model's wanting, not evaluation of the thing.
An everyday example
Wanting a house in a particular neighbourhood only after a respected peer moved there.
What it can cost you
Adopting desires that are someone else's; competing with the model for objects neither of you would choose alone.
Warning signs
- I wanted it after seeing them want it.
- My rival and I want the same things.
One thing to do
For any strong new want, name the model; ask whether you would want it if they did not. Choose models deliberately.
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