All Desire is a Desire for Being

By René Girard | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

About the book

A new selection of foundational works from the influential philosopher who developed the theory of mimetic desire

Why do humans have such a remarkable capacity for conflict? From ancient foundational myths to the modern era, the visionary thinker Rene Girard identified the constant, competing desires at the heart of our existence - desires that we copy from others, igniting a contagious violence. This remarkable and accessible new selection of Girard's work shows him as a writer for our times, as he ranges over human imitation and rivalry, herd behaviour, scapegoating and how our violent longings play out in stories, from Shakespeare to religion.

'The explosion of social media, the resurgence of populism, and the increasing virulence of reciprocal violence all suggest that the contemporary world is becoming more and more recognizably \"Girardian\" in its behaviour' The New York Review of Books

Edited with an Introduction by Cynthia L. Haven

Editions of All Desire is a Desire for Being

Paperback
ISBN 9780241543238
EBook
ISBN 9780141998817

Read an Excerpt

A new selection of foundational works from the influential philosopher who developed the theory of mimetic desire

Why do humans have such a remarkable capacity for conflict? From ancient foundational myths to the modern era, the visionary thinker Rene Girard identified the constant, competing desires at the heart of our existence - desires that we copy from others, igniting a contagious violence. This remarkable and accessible new selection of Girard's work shows him as a writer for our times, as he ranges over human imitation and rivalry, herd behaviour, scapegoating and how our violent longings play out in stories, from Shakespeare to religion.

'The explosion of social media, the resurgence of populism, and the increasing virulence of reciprocal violence all suggest that the contemporary world is becoming more and more recognizably \"Girardian\" in its behaviour' The New York Review of Books

Edited with an Introduction by Cynthia L. Haven

Frequently Asked Questions

What is All Desire is a Desire for Being about?

A new selection of foundational works from the influential philosopher who developed the theory of mimetic desire

Why do humans have such a remarkable capacity for conflict? From ancient foundational myths to the modern era, the visionary thinker Rene Girard identified the constant, competing desires at the heart of our existence - desires that we copy from others, igniting a contagious violence. This remarkable and accessible new selection of Girard's work shows him as a writer for our times, as he ranges over human imitation and rivalry, herd behaviour, scapegoating and how our violent longings play out in stories, from Shakespeare to religion.

'The explosion of social media, the resurgence of populism, and the increasing virulence of reciprocal violence all suggest that the contemporary world is becoming more and more recognizably \"Girardian\" in its behaviour' The New York Review of Books

Edited with an Introduction by Cynthia L. Haven

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in All Desire is a Desire for Being?

Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy

Where can I read a sample of All Desire is a Desire for Being?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241543238

Who is/are the Author/s of the book All Desire is a Desire for Being?

René Girard

Who is the Publisher of the book All Desire is a Desire for Being?

Penguin Books Ltd

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

All Desire is a Desire for Being is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241543238) and ebook(ISBN 9780141998817)

Where can I buy All Desire is a Desire for Being online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy All Desire is a Desire for Being?