We’re All Reflections

Do you want what you want? Or do you want what others want?

A younger sibling mimics the desire of their older siblings, but we see similar results as adults.

We want the new app because our friends use it.
We want the new hat because the influencers have it.
We want the new car because the billboard tells us to want it.

Many of our desires are reflections of what those around us desire, as Professor René Girard explained when he coined the term “mimetic desires.”
There is nothing inherently wrong with this; other people can inspire us to change our lives in a positive trajectory.

But what are our mimetic desires? Are they helping us become better or bitter? Are we pursuing meaningful outcomes or empty targets?

You don’t have to be an online influencer to be influential. We all are inspired by other people. You may inspire a child, a friend, or an admirer from a distance. It doesn’t matter who you inspire or influence, but it does matter how you inspire or influence them.

When we try to change people by inflicting our judgements, we cause suffering and strain on the relationship.
When we change ourselves to be better, we naturally show people the benefits and encourage them to change themselves.

Are you illustrating the values you’re proud of? Are you becoming the best version of yourself?
We’re all reflections, even when no one is around. Lasting change comes from the inside, both in ourselves and in others.

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