René Girard CBC interview part 2 of 5

Human beings, according to French thinker René Girard, are fundamentally imitative creatures. We copy each other's desires and are in perpetual conflict with one another over the objects of our desire. In early human communities, this conflict created a permanent threat of violence and forced our ancestors to find a way to unify themselves. They chose a victim, a scapegoat, an evil one against whom the community could unite. Biblical religion, according to Girard, has attempted to overcome this historic plight. From the unjust murder of Abel by his brother Cain to the crucifixion of Christ, the Bible reveals the innocence of the victim. It is on this revelation that modern society unquietly rests. Girard's ideas have influenced social scientists over his long career as a writer and teacher. IDEAS producer David Cayley introduces this seminal thinker to a wider audience.

[@nathanmcdougall4624]

I got shivers when René was describing the anti-mythology of Joseph and his brothers. Beautiful stuff.

[@jenniferarnold-delgado3489]

This man , M Giraud is really seeing it all .

[@123kentmac]

If your professors had any clue, this guy's thought would dominate the academy instead of spent Marxism.

[@MaisieDaisyUpsadaisy]

Kent MacIsaac Marxism does not dominate academia - Marxism is despised by academia. What, you could say, dominates academia is positivism and critical theory.

[@arthurdinucci]

Absolutely. I came to this via a Quillette piece - someone mentioned it and posted a link - I will be eternally grateful.

[@threeblindchickens]

why not both?

[@oscarrobert4725]

Gabriel... agree completely!

[@nbme-answers]

7:51 scapegoating

[@carlaarmas9014]

Thank you! You are the best!

[@rmurray8913]

heat rock

[@clearintentions6182]

I wonder what Rene's point of view have delivered with this perspective considered.