Hey friend, welcome back!
Christmas is just a couple of weeks away. If you celebrate, you probably remember the early days when you would ask Santa for the gifts you wanted.
I remember writing letters to Santa, or leaving cookies by my futon as a little thank-you for his hard work. Every year, my wishes would change.
But have you ever stopped to wonder why you wanted what you wanted? What shapes your desires? What hidden forces are at play when you long for certain things?
That’s exactly what Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life dives into. It explores the deeper reasons behind our desires and helps us understand not just what we want, but why we want it.
Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis
The Book in 3 Sentences
- In “Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life,” Luke Burgis explores how our desires are often shaped by the people around us, highlighting the concept of mimetic desire, where we imitate the wants of others.
- He argues that understanding this dynamic can help us navigate our own desires more effectively, leading to more authentic choices and personal fulfillment.
- Ultimately, Burgis emphasizes the importance of recognizing these influences to cultivate genuine aspirations and avoid destructive competition.
Impressions
How Did I Discover It?
I watched a YouTube video reviewing this book about a year ago, and it has been on my wish list ever since.
I have always been curious about why I desire certain things in life. When interacting with friends from outside Japan, I notice that some of my desires are regional and different from those of my friends, who grew up in different places.
The book review gave me enough clue that this book would address my questions.
Who Should Read It?
I would recommend “Wanting” to anyone interested in psychology, personal development, or social dynamics, as it provides valuable insights into how those around us shape our desires.
It’s also great for readers who enjoy exploring philosophical concepts in a practical context, especially in relation to motivation and relationships.
Also, those in leadership or marketing roles might find it particularly relevant for understanding consumer behavior and fostering authentic connections.
How the Book Changed Me
- Reinforcing Self-Awareness and Community: The book reinforced the importance of engaging with multiple communities and striving for an objective view of myself. It also offered thoughtful insights into mimetic desire — the idea that our desires are often shaped by the desires of others. This awareness has shifted how I approach my own wants, making me more mindful of where they originate and whether they reflect my true values or external influences.
- Encouraging Deeper Questions: The book gave me the courage to ask bigger, more profound questions about life. It reminded me that, although these questions can be challenging, they are ultimately more meaningful and fulfilling. This perspective has prompted me to reconsider how I want to live and to think more deeply about my choices and the direction I want my life to take.
- Embracing Life’s Complexities: On a personal level, the book humbled me as both a writer and an individual, teaching me to embrace the unexpected intersections of seemingly opposing forces. It deepened my understanding of how important, though challenging, it is to maintain a focus on facing reality, and made me realize the greatness in that approach. It became an opportunity to reflect on whether I’ve been too focused on shaping things neatly, or whether I’ve been truly present and open to life as it unfolds.
My Top 3 Quotes
- “Human beings fight not because they are different, but because they are the same, and in their attempts to distinguish themselves have made themselves into enemy twins, human doubles in reciprocal violence.”
- “The future will be a product of what people want. The things we build, the people we meet, and the wars we fight will depend on what people will want tomorrow. And that starts with the way that we learn to want today.”
- “These coincidences of opposites point to something transcendent. The reason things seem like they shouldn’t coexist is that they don’t map onto how I experience the world. They don’t have a place on my map of meaning, my mental model of how the world works. They are a sign that I need to go further, to reevaluate, to press deeper. They point to something beyond where I’m currently at.”
If you found this helpful, feel free to give it a like. If you have any questions or thoughts, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
Also, wishing you an early Merry Christmas! May the rest of this year and the upcoming one bring you truly fulfilling desires.
Happy reading!