What is *Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life* about?

*Wanting* explores how human desires are shaped by imitation, not independent choice. Luke Burgis builds on philosopher René Girard’s theory of **mimetic desire**, revealing how we unconsciously mimic others’ wants—from career goals to consumer habits. The book debunks the “Romantic Lie” (the myth of self-generated desires) and offers strategies to recognize and transcend socially influenced cravings.

Who should read *Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life*?

Entrepreneurs, marketers, psychologists, and anyone seeking to understand hidden social influences on behavior. Burgis’s insights help professionals navigate workplace dynamics, marketers avoid manipulative tactics, and individuals align desires with personal values. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in philosophy, behavioral economics, or self-improvement.

Is *Wanting* by Luke Burgis worth reading?

Yes—translated into 16+ languages and praised for its actionable insights, *Wanting* provides a lens to dissect modern “wanting” crises, from social media envy to consumerism. Burgis combines academic rigor (citing Girard) with real-world examples, making it accessible for general readers and valuable for researchers.

What are the key concepts in *Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire*?

Key ideas include: - **Mimetic Models**: People unconsciously imitate “models” (celebrities, peers) who shape their desires. - **Thick vs. Thin Desires**: Thick desires (authentic, enduring) vs. thin desires (superficial, socially driven). - **Scarcity & Rivalry**: Mimetic cycles fuel competition over shared goals, often creating toxic rivalries.

How does *Wanting* explain the “Romantic Lie”?

The “Romantic Lie” is the false belief that desires originate independently. Burgis argues this myth leads to dissatisfaction, as people ignore how their wants mirror others’. For example, pursuing a “dream job” often reflects cultural benchmarks rather than intrinsic passion.

What practical steps does *Wanting* offer to manage mimetic desire?

Burgis advises: 1. **Audit desires**: List wants and trace their origins (e.g., “Do I want this promotion or just envy a colleague?”). 2. **Choose “anti-mimetic” models**: Emulate those who prioritize purpose over status. 3. **Cultivate thick desires**: Focus on goals aligned with long-term values, not fleeting trends.

What famous quotes or thinkers are featured in *Wanting*?

The book references Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s observation that “the line dividing good and evil cuts through every human heart,” highlighting mimetic desire’s moral complexity. Burgis also expands on René Girard’s lesser-known theories, making them accessible to modern audiences.

How does *Wanting* compare to other books on desire, like *The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck*?

Unlike Mark Manson’s focus on indifference, *Wanting* diagnoses *why* we care about certain things. It offers a sociological framework rather than self-help aphorisms, making it a foundational text for understanding desire’s roots in human psychology.

Wanting Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Wanting

Luke Burgis

3.8 (4263 Reviews)

Psychology Self-growth Relationship Business

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"Wanting" reveals why we desire what we desire - through mimetic theory. Endorsed by entrepreneur Derek Sivers with a perfect 10/10 score, this thought-provoking guide explains how our cravings are contagious. What if everything you want isn't actually yours to begin with?

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All true desire is metaphysical; when someone falls under a model's influence for a handbag, they're really seeking the imagined transformation it will bring.

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Wanting — это не просто книга, это мастер-класс по теме Psychology. Чтобы помочь вам усвоить уроки наиболее удобным способом, мы предлагаем пять уникальных режимов обучения. Независимо от того, глубоко ли вы мыслите, быстро учитесь или любите истории, для вас найдётся подходящий режим.

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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Wanting

Luke Burgis

3.8 (4263 Reviews)

Psychology Self-growth Relationship Business

Обзор

Ключевые Выводы

Автор

Часто Задаваемые Вопросы

Исследуйте Свой Способ Обучения

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Почувствуйте книгу через голос автора

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Карточки9 идей

Захватите ключевые идеи мгновенно для быстрого обучения

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All true desire is metaphysical; when someone falls under a model's influence for a handbag, they're really seeking the imagined transformation it will bring.

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The Hidden Choreography of Your Desires

00:00

Have you ever noticed how quickly you start wanting something after seeing someone else enjoy it? That martini your friend ordered suddenly looks appealing, or the restaurant with the line outside becomes irresistible. These aren't coincidences-they're evidence of "mimetic desire," a profound insight from philosopher Rene Girard that entrepreneur Luke Burgis brings to life in "Wanting." This concept reveals that most of our desires aren't authentically ours but borrowed from others. From the moment we're born, we're wired to imitate. Babies just 42 minutes old can copy facial expressions, showing an innate understanding that they're "like" the humans before them. This imitative capacity evolves from innocent childhood behaviors into complex adult patterns that shape our major life decisions-career paths, relationships, even the neighborhoods we choose to live in. What begins as spontaneously changing a drink order after hearing your friend's choice transforms into deeper patterns affecting your entire life trajectory, often without you realizing it.

The Two Worlds of Desire: Celebristan vs. Freshmanistan

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Создано выпускниками Колумбийского университета в Сан-Франциско

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

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@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Ключевые выводы

The Hidden Choreography of Your Desires

The Two Worlds of Desire: Celebristan vs. Freshmanistan

When Desires Collide: The Path to Conflict

The Ancient Solution: Scapegoating

Breaking Free from Mimetic Traps

Cultivating Thick Desires

The Choice Before Us

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Ключевые выводы

The Hidden Choreography of Your Desires

The Two Worlds of Desire: Celebristan vs. Freshmanistan

When Desires Collide: The Path to Conflict

The Ancient Solution: Scapegoating

Breaking Free from Mimetic Traps

Cultivating Thick Desires

The Choice Before Us