22 | Mimetic Theory 3: Mimetic psychology

In this third episode of the series I’m going through on René Girard’s mimetic theory, I take an all-too-brief look at a few of the insights that mimetic theory offers to psychology, especially regarding the three types of “interdividual rapport” that shared desire creates. This is a much more complex topic than I can cover in-depth, so I would highly recommend that you turn to J-M Oughourlian’s work—especially his book “The Mimetic Brain"—if you are interested in finding out more. This episode builds on the previous two Unorthodoxy episodes by focusing on positive and negative reciprocity, as well as the way the desire and rivalry. A few insights are offered on how conflict works in relationships, what breakups do to us, how mimesis can cause eating disorders and depression, and how important it is to find the wisdom to handle our mimetic tendencies.