Hermitix René Girard and the Myths We Live By Now with Justin Garrison
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Sep 24, 2025 Justin D. Garrison, a scholar of American literature and political thought, explores the relevance of René Girard's mimetic theory in understanding contemporary issues. He delves into the complexities of political morality and the role of scapegoating in society. Garrison argues that modern polarization is fueled by mimetic rivalry and discusses how education should shape desires rather than just skills. He connects economics to modern scapegoating and emphasizes the need for grassroots civic and educational renewal as a response to institutional decline.
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Girard Became A Lens For Modern Politics
- Justin Garrison discovered Girard during the pandemic and found Girard useful for political and literary analysis.
- He taught Girard to students and published multiple Girardian readings of All the King's Men.
All The King's Men: Goodness vs Political Necessity
- All the King's Men interrogates whether a politician can do good while doing what's politically necessary.
- The novel also probes scientism and the misuse of scientific imagery in political thinking.
Scapegoating As Structural 'Satanic' Mechanism
- Girard links mimetic rivalry and scapegoating to a structural 'satanic' dynamic that resolves conflict by violence.
- Scapegoating rituals historically prevented total annihilation but embedded violence into social order.
