René Girard

René Girard was a French philosopher and anthropologist who studied human behavior and culture. He proposed that humans imitate others' desires, leading to rivalry and conflict. To resolve this tension, societies historically used a "scapegoat"—someone who was blamed and expelled or sacrificed—which restored peace temporarily. Girard's theories help explain the origins of violence, religion, and social cohesion, highlighting how imitation and scapegoating shape human history and interactions. His work offers insight into understanding conflict and the importance of recognizing imitation and blame in societal dynamics.