Description

A groundbreaking exploration of why we want what we want and a toolkit for freeing ourselves from chasing unfulfilling desires

Humans dont desire anything independently Human desire is mimetic we imitate what other people want This affects the way we choose partners friends careers clothes and travel destinations Mimetic desire is responsible for the formation of our very identities It explains the enduring relevancy of Shakespeares plays why Peter Thiel decided to be the first investor in Facebook and why our world is growing more divided as it becomes more connected

Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur teacher and student of classical philosophy Luke Burgis shares tactics that help turn blind wanting into intentional wanting to be more in control of the things we want and to find more meaning in our work and lives