Name: What is mimetic desire thoery? definition, meaning and examples
Uploaded: 2026-01-19T07:43:14.000Z
Duration: 58 s
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Relative clauses (Restrictive vs. nonrestrictive)

Mimetic desire is a concept developed by philosopher Rene Girard, which suggests that human desires are not entirely original but are imitative.

People often want things because others want them, not purely because of personal preference.

According to Girard, mimetic desire forms a triangular relationship involving the subject, the model, and

The subject imitates the model, and the object becomes desirable precisely because someone else desires it.

This imitation frequently leads to rivalry, since multiple people or groups compete for the same object.

Mimetic desire helps explain social trends, competition, and even conflict as shared desires escalate into tension or violence.

For example, in consumer culture, people may want products because celebrities or peers desire them.

Similarly, love triangles often form when attraction intensifies due to a rival's interest.

Showing how mimetic desire shapes everyday social life.