Imitation, Desire, Violence, Religion, Culture….

Mimetic or Imitative Theory is an explanation of human behavior and human culture. Human beings imitate each other in everything, including desire. As a result they choose the same objects and compete for them. Paradoxically, therefore, the same imitative  force as brings people together, pulls them apart. The mimetic theory claims that this misunderstood phenomenon is the most important cause of human violence, and that vengeance is the most important form it takes. More

Photo credit: Elizabeth Bailie