René Girard

Philosopher, mimetic theory

“Man is the creature who does not know what to desire, and he turns to others in order to make up his mind.”

The one idea

We borrow our desires from others.

Ideas in the Tracker

We copy each other's desires and then compete for the same things. Notice whose want you are carrying.

Linked episodes

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Founder, AngelList

“Build specific knowledge and leverage.”

Cynic philosopher of Sinope

“Most of what you want was handed to you.”

Vice Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway

“Assemble a latticework of mental models.”

Roman emperor, Stoic

“You have power over your mind, not events.”

Physicist, Nobel laureate

“You must not fool yourself.”

Philosopher of Athens

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”