All Desire Is a Desire for Being

René Girard

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A new selection of foundational works from the influential philosopher who developed the theory of mimetic desire

René Girard eludes easy categories, bridging the fields of literary criticism, anthropology, sociology, history, religion and theology. Influencing such writers as J. M. Coetzee and Milan Kundera, his insight into contagious violence looks ever more prophetic and relevant seven years after his death. In many ways he is the thinker for our modern world of social media and herd behaviour.

In this newly selected collection of writings, Cynthia L. Haven has created an approachable anthology of his work, addressing Girard's thoughts on the nature of desire, human imitation and rivalry, the causes of conflict and violence, the deep structure of religion and cultural subjects like opera and theatre.

Girard spoke to his times in language that was engaging, accessible and often controversial. A long-time friend and colleague, Haven shines a spotlight on his role as a public intellectual and profound theorist, inviting a new generation to his corpus.

Published: 2 March 2023
ISBN: 9780141998817
Imprint: Penguin eBooks
Format: EBook
Pages: 336

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Praise for All Desire Is a Desire for Being

Praise for
René Girard

The explosion of social media, the resurgence of populism, and the increasing virulence of reciprocal violence all suggest that the contemporary world is becoming more and more recognizably "Girardian" in its behavior
Robert Pogue Harrison, The New York Review of Books

The man who helped us perhaps more than any other social thinker of our time to understand violence, death and martyrdom
Jerry Bowyer, Forbes

Praise for
Evolution of Desire: A Life of René Girard by Cynthia L. Haven

Influential and comprehensive. Haven's Evolution of Desire is exemplary in its sensitivity ... Her readers are challenged but left free to make up their own minds
Jonathan Benthall, TLS

A penetrating account of an important thinker - and as agile, profound, and affecting as its subject
Kirkus

Essential reading for Girard devotees and a perfect entrée for newcomers. Rich with details and ideas, Cynthia Haven's book gives everything it promises and something more: a personal account of a close friend. Highly recommended
Maria Stepanova

Here is a book that gives us Girard in all his genius and generosity. I can't recommend it enough
Morgan Meis, The New Yorker

René Girard's provocative theories on violence, religion, desire, and scapegoating are intensely relevant to contemporary American society. Cynthia Haven offers an account of Girard's life and ideas that is as compelling as a good detective story. It should receive the widest possible readership
David Streitfeld, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for The New York Times