Mind Candy is a newsletter on practical philosophy and human flourishment—aka how to live “the good life.” Each month we tackle a new theme.
This month we’re exploring the theme of Desire.
Welcome to Wednesday Wisdom, our 3x3 Newsletter where I distill worldly advice for better living with 3 quotes, 3 observations, and 3 questions.
Admiration
🤨 Quote
“The individual is convinced that his desire is his own; that he is the master of it. But the truth, which he hides from himself, is that he imitates another.”
René Girard
Source: Deceit, Desire, and the Novel
Observation 🧐
Behind desire lies admiration.
We see others and admire what they have, how they act, who they are. This admiration for their status or reputation or finances is but a wanting of their image.
We ourselves want to be that person, hold those qualities, be looked at upon the way we ourselves are looking at them.
This admiration drives our actions. It pushes our pursuits.
An authentic life begins when we can recognize why we’re acting the way we are.
By doing so, we transform inauthentic actions into authentic ones and become the author of our own existence.
🤔 Question
Who is someone you hold admiration for and what about them do you admire? How does this admiration drive your own actions?
Mimicry
🤨 Quote
“Mimicry facilitates social interactions because it generates rapport. Like a social glue, mimicry binds us and bonds us together.”
Jonah Berger
Source: Invisible Influence
Observation 🧐
Our own mimicry isn’t a flaw in our system code but a survival mechanism.
Mimicry helps us understand the world we inhabit—how we approach it, what actions we should take or avoid, how we interpret the world.
By mimicking those around us, we build trust and familiarity with others. We also come to learn how to navigate the world.
When we use this to our benefit, we build connections to others. It helps with our rapport to each other.
But when we’re blind to it, we’re easily taken in by others. We more easily take on a herd mentality. We fall prey to group think.
If we cannot recognize when we are imitating and why we’re willing to in that moment, we risk being used by others.
🤔 Question
Think of the last time imitation helped you connect with others and when it didn’t work. What can you learn from these experiences?
Beneath the paywall this week we explore the wisdom of Luke Burgis. Click below to support and get access.