René Girard (1923–2015) was a French historian, literary critic, and philosopher whose groundbreaking work transformed our understanding of human behavior, violence, and the roots of religion. He is best known for developing mimetic theory, the idea that human desire is not individual or spontaneous, but rather imitative—we desire what others desire.
Girard observed that this mimetic desire inevitably leads to rivalry and conflict, as individuals compete for the same objects or status. As tensions rise, societies historically resolved this conflict by uniting against a scapegoat—a person or group blamed for the unrest. This collective violence, Girard argued, is the foundation of both myth and ritual. Over time, these acts were mythologized and ritualized, forming the basis of religious practice and social order.
In his seminal book Violence and the Sacred, Girard described how religion functioned to contain violence through the sacrificial system. However, in Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World, he argued that the Bible uniquely reveals the innocence of the scapegoat, particularly through the story of Jesus Christ. This shift—from concealing to exposing collective violence—marks a radical departure in human consciousness, placing the victim at the center of moral concern.
Girard’s insights extend far beyond theology. His theory offers a powerful lens to understand everything from Shakespearean drama to modern social media dynamics, economic bubbles, and political scapegoating. A scholar of profound depth, Girard leaves behind a legacy that challenges us to see ourselves—and our conflicts—with new eyes.
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