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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Personal Origin: Reading All The King's Men
- Justin Garrison read All the King's Men at his wife's suggestion and reread it multiple times.
- He published three Girardian pieces on the novel and taught it successfully in his classes.
Use Girard And Literature In Teaching
- Teach mimetic theory to illuminate political polarization and violence in class.
- Use literature like All the King's Men to make abstract theory concrete for students.
The Novel Invites A Girardian Reading
- All the King's Men explicitly uses sacrificial language, making Girardian reading natural.
- The novel explores race, slavery, and political transformation in a Southern setting reminiscent of Huey Long.
