Mimetic Desire 101

by Luke Burgis Read the Original

Mimetic desire is the concept that we assign value to things based on what others want, rather than any objective qualities. This is perpetuated by external models of desire, such as celebrities, and internal models of desire, such as peers. We all strive to differentiate ourselves from each other, but this can lead to a dangerous level of sameness and an impending crisis of undifferentiation. To combat this, we must be aware of our mimetic desires and make decisions based on our own values instead.

The concept of "mimetic desire" is the idea that we assign value to things based on what other people want, not on any objective qualities. This is known as "The Romantic Lie" and is perpetuated by people like Julius Caesar, who claim to know what is worth wanting without any external influence. “I came, I desired, I conquered.” Julius Caesar's famous words illustrate how our desires are based on what others want rather than any objective qualities.

Models can show us what is worth wanting and help us make decisions that we cannot make instinctively. We often choose things based on the desires of others, looking for social proof and validation of our choices. Mimetic desire is like a bicuspid that attaches itself to a substrate to stay afloat. "The value of objects is not objective—it’s subjective. And that subjective value is determined mimetically, based on our relationships with others." Mimetic desire assigns value to things based on what others want, rather than any objective qualities. This leads to a dangerous level of sameness and an impending crisis of undifferentiation.

Desire is never fulfilled by any one object, and humans have taken it to new levels through mimetic desire. Our desires are formed by models and distorted through subjective perception. Metaphysical desire is not concerned with physical objects, but with identity. “O hell! to choose love by another’s eyes!” We often let external models of desire dictate the things we want, instead of making decisions based on our own values and preferences.

We have two types of models: external mediators of desire (Celebristan) and internal mediators of desire (Freshmanistan). The external models are unattainable and act as sources of inspiration, while the internal models exist in the same world and can be challenged or measured against. “Rather than an internal (biological) homing device that helps us make choices, models are external signposts that steer us toward the pursuit of certain people, places, things, even lifestyles.” Models of desire shape our decisions by providing us with direction and inspiration in the things we choose to pursue.

We’re all in Freshmanistan, surrounded by models of desire, striving to differentiate ourselves from each other and carve out an identity. It’s a dangerous level of sameness where competition is possible and crisis of undifferentiation is looming. Go ahead, differentiate yourself! "Desire is not object-oriented, as we commonly assume. Desire never finds fulfillment in any particular “thing.”" We can never attain true satisfaction in life by chasing objects or achievements, as our desires will always be in flux. This is an important concept to remember when attempting to combat mimetic desire.