The Other

Somehow I came across René Girard today. From what I can gather he's come up with some interesting stuff, but I have been a little frustrated in getting the full picture. For instance, he came up with the idea that we tend to desire things more when we see it possessed, or at least sought after by another person. This is interesting, but I was unable to ascertain quite how far he takes it.

I can see situations where there must be pre-existing desires for certain things, but then I realize it would either have to be the "other" who allows us to know particular things satisfy particular desires, or we would have to go through a lot of trail and error. So, the "other" wins out because we'd end up dying before we figured out what was good to eat and drink.

Still, I find there must be different levels of sensitivity to the "other" too. Other people drink white zinfandel, enjoy licorice, and do other things I do not find interesting. Nor do I notice too many people picking up some of my more esoteric interests, either. I can see where the relative interest of others can encourage more desire in a shared interest though.

Now, this model would apply most obviously to the opposite sex, but I find here too I do not respond as well to the opinion of others as well as I used to. Where I grew up, there seemed to be a pro-party movement, and I was so indoctrinated that it took me quite a while to realize I just don't like parties very much. As you can imagine, my concept of the ideal mate has changed quite a lot as well. Beyond the most superficial characteristics, which I am quite capable of noticing on my own, I doubt the "others" have a clue in this area.

Girard theorizes the beginnings of religion came out of dealing with the inherent tension in this model. This is where I really wish we had a real library, you know, one where we actually have books by authors like Girard and not a bunch of the latest pornographic trash from Zane!!! What I've found on the internet is interesting, but it just isn't enough.