Wanting
Wanting
Luke Burgis
Rory Sutherland
I hope everybody else enjoys this book as much as I did. - Rory Sutherland
Andrew Wilkinson
One of the most impactful books I’ve read lately. - Andrew Wilkinson
Chamath Palihapitiya
Super book. Very easy to read. - Chamath Palihapitiya
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3
All books

Wanting

Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life

Luke Burgis
By
Luke Burgis
3.8
473
ratings on Goodreads

In "Wanting," Luke Burgis embarks on a transformative exploration of desire's hidden currents, drawing us into the gravitational pull of mimetic desire—a concept pioneered by the French thinker René Girard that remains largely uncharted in the collective consciousness. With a blend of compelling narratives and insightful analysis, Burgis unveils the invisible forces that shape our cravings, ambitions, and conflicts. This thought-provoking journey through human psychology and social dynamics reveals that our desires are not wholly our own but are deeply influenced by what we see others wanting. From the personal to the societal, mimetic desire influences every aspect of our lives, driving us towards the same goals, passions, and pursuits as those around us, and often, unknowingly, into rivalry and discontent. Beyond simply diagnosing the problem, "Wanting" offers a way out of the mimetic maze. Burgis, leveraging his rich background as an entrepreneur and scholar, provides practical strategies for recognizing and reshaping our desires. He invites us to cultivate a more intentional way of wanting, one that fosters genuine satisfaction and unity rather than competition and division. By learning to desire differently, we can escape the endless cycle of imitation and competition, finding fulfillment in authenticity and shared purpose. "Wanting" is not just a book; it's a roadmap to a more meaningful and intentional life, challenging us to question not just what we want, but why we want it, and how we can want better.

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Released
2021
1 Jun
Length
304
Pages

3

recommendations

recommendation

I hope everybody else enjoys this book as much as I did. - Rory Sutherland
Super book. Very easy to read. - Chamath Palihapitiya
One of the most impactful books I’ve read lately. - Andrew Wilkinson
People don’t fight because they want different things; they fight because mimetic desire causes them to want the same things.
— Luke Burgis, Wanting

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