“Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” is a groundbreaking work of cultural criticism by French philosopher René Girard. In this book, Girard provides a powerful analysis of human behavior and culture, drawing on his extensive research into anthropology, literature, and mythology.

Girard’s central thesis is that human desire is fundamentally mimetic, meaning that it is driven by a desire to imitate others. This mimetic desire is a powerful force that underpins all human cultures, and it has the potential to generate both creativity and conflict.

Throughout the book, Girard explores the ways in which mimetic desire shapes human behavior and culture, and he provides a powerful critique of the mechanisms of scapegoating and sacrifice that have underpinned human societies for millennia. He also offers a compelling vision of a new way of living in the world, based on the Christian Gospel and its message of love, forgiveness, and nonviolence.

“Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” is a challenging and thought-provoking work that offers valuable insights into the nature of human behavior and culture. It is a must-read for anyone interested in anthropology, philosophy, or cultural criticism, and it provides a valuable perspective on the challenges facing our modern world.

Chapter 1 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “Mimetic Desire” and focuses on the concept of desire and how it functions in human society. Girard argues that human desire is not innate, but rather, it is a product of social interactions and imitation. He posits that humans learn what to desire by observing and imitating the desires of others, and that this leads to a cycle of competition and conflict.

According to Girard, this cycle of mimetic desire can result in a phenomenon called “mimetic rivalry,” where individuals begin to desire the same objects, which leads to conflict and violence. This rivalry can escalate to the point where the original object of desire becomes irrelevant, and the desire itself becomes the driving force behind the conflict.

Girard also introduces the concept of the “scapegoat mechanism,” which he argues is a way that societies cope with mimetic rivalry and the resulting violence. The scapegoat mechanism involves selecting a victim to bear the blame for the conflict and then expelling or punishing that victim, which helps to restore peace and order in the community.

Overall, Chapter 1 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” sets the foundation for Girard’s theory of mimetic desire and the role it plays in human society. It introduces the concept of mimetic rivalry, the dangers it poses, and the scapegoat mechanism as a way to resolve conflict.

Chapter 2 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “The Victimary Process.” In this chapter, Girard continues to explore the concept of mimetic desire and its role in human society. He argues that the scapegoat mechanism is a way that societies cope with the violence and conflict that arise from mimetic rivalry, but that it ultimately reinforces the very cycle of violence it seeks to resolve.

Girard introduces the concept of the “sacrificial crisis,” which is a situation where mimetic rivalry has escalated to the point where violence is about to break out. The sacrificial crisis can only be resolved through the selection and expulsion of a scapegoat, which restores peace and order to the community. However, this process of scapegoating can also lead to a sense of guilt and shame in the community, which can in turn lead to a new cycle of mimetic rivalry.

Girard also explores the relationship between religion and the scapegoat mechanism, arguing that many religions have a similar concept of sacrifice and expiation. He posits that this reflects a deep understanding of the nature of mimetic desire and the role of violence and sacrifice in resolving conflict.

Overall, Chapter 2 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” delves deeper into the concept of the scapegoat mechanism and its role in resolving the sacrificial crisis. It also explores the relationship between religion and the scapegoat mechanism, providing valuable insights into the human psyche and the ways in which we cope with the violence and conflict that arise from mimetic desire.

Chapter 3 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “The End of Violence.” In this chapter, Girard explores the ways in which the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus challenge and ultimately subvert the sacrificial logic that underpins human society.

Girard argues that the Gospel provides a radical alternative to the scapegoat mechanism and the cycle of violence and conflict that arises from mimetic desire. Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness offers a way to break the cycle of violence and establish a new way of relating to one another that is not based on competition and rivalry.

Girard also explores the concept of “mimetic crisis,” which is a situation where mimetic rivalry has escalated to the point where there seems to be no way out. In the face of mimetic crisis, Girard argues that the Gospel offers a way to break the cycle of violence and restore peace and order through forgiveness and self-sacrifice.

Overall, Chapter 3 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” provides a compelling analysis of the Gospel and its message of love and forgiveness. It offers a powerful alternative to the sacrificial logic of human society and offers hope for a world that is not based on violence and conflict.

Chapter 4 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “The Origin of Culture.” In this chapter, Girard explores the relationship between mimetic desire, the scapegoat mechanism, and the origins of human culture.

Girard argues that culture arises as a way of channeling and regulating mimetic desire. Through cultural institutions such as religion, law, and art, society is able to regulate and manage the conflicts and rivalries that arise from mimetic desire. This helps to prevent violence and maintain social order.

Girard also introduces the concept of “cultural mediation,” which refers to the role of culture in mediating the conflicts that arise from mimetic desire. Cultural mediation involves the use of symbols, myths, and rituals to create a sense of order and coherence in society.

According to Girard, the scapegoat mechanism is also central to the origin of culture. The selection and expulsion of a scapegoat is a way of resolving mimetic conflict and creating social order. However, Girard argues that the Gospel offers a way to break the cycle of violence and move beyond the scapegoat mechanism.

Overall, Chapter 4 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” provides a valuable analysis of the role of culture in regulating and managing mimetic desire. It also provides insight into the origins of human culture and the ways in which culture has developed as a way of managing the conflicts and rivalries that arise from mimetic desire.

Chapter 5 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “Culture and Religion.” In this chapter, Girard explores the relationship between culture and religion, arguing that religion is a form of cultural mediation that plays a crucial role in regulating mimetic desire.

Girard argues that religion provides a way of channeling and regulating mimetic desire through the use of symbols, myths, and rituals. Religion creates a shared sense of meaning and purpose that helps to prevent conflict and maintain social order. However, Girard also notes that religion can become a source of mimetic rivalry and violence, as different groups compete for religious dominance and legitimacy.

Girard also explores the concept of “archaic religion,” which refers to the early forms of religion that emerged in human society. Archaic religion is characterized by the use of sacrifice as a way of resolving mimetic conflict and restoring social order. However, Girard argues that the Gospel provides a way to move beyond the sacrificial logic of archaic religion and establish a new way of relating to one another.

Overall, Chapter 5 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” provides a valuable analysis of the role of religion in regulating mimetic desire. It offers insight into the ways in which religion can both prevent and perpetuate violence and conflict, and it highlights the potential of the Gospel to provide an alternative to the sacrificial logic of archaic religion.

Chapter 6 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “The Modern World System.” In this chapter, Girard explores the impact of the modern world system on human society, and how this system has led to an intensification of mimetic rivalry and violence.

Girard argues that the modern world system, with its emphasis on individualism, consumerism, and materialism, has intensified mimetic desire and led to a sense of spiritual emptiness and alienation. This has led to an increase in violence and conflict, as individuals and groups compete for status, wealth, and power.

Girard also explores the concept of “globalization,” which refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world and the blurring of national boundaries. According to Girard, globalization has intensified mimetic desire and made it more difficult for societies to regulate and manage the conflicts that arise from it.

However, Girard also notes that the Gospel offers a way to break the cycle of violence and establish a new way of relating to one another. By rejecting the values of the modern world system and embracing the message of love and forgiveness, individuals and societies can move beyond mimetic rivalry and establish a new way of living in the world.

Overall, Chapter 6 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” provides a valuable analysis of the impact of the modern world system on human society. It offers insight into the ways in which globalization and the values of individualism and materialism have intensified mimetic rivalry and led to an increase in violence and conflict. It also highlights the potential of the Gospel to provide an alternative to the values of the modern world system and establish a new way of living in the world.

Chapter 7 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “The Anthropology of Violence.” In this chapter, Girard explores the relationship between violence and the human condition, arguing that violence is an inherent part of human nature.

Girard argues that humans are inherently mimetic creatures, and that mimetic desire inevitably leads to conflict and violence. However, Girard also notes that violence is not an end in itself, but rather a means of achieving something else. Violence is a way of establishing dominance and creating order, and it is often driven by a desire for recognition, status, and power.

Girard also explores the concept of “scapegoating,” which refers to the process by which a group or individual is blamed for the problems of society and then sacrificed or eliminated. According to Girard, scapegoating is a way of resolving mimetic conflict and restoring social order. However, it is also a source of violence and injustice, as innocent people are often targeted and sacrificed.

Overall, Chapter 7 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” provides a thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between violence and the human condition. It offers insight into the ways in which mimetic desire can lead to conflict and violence, and highlights the role of scapegoating in resolving mimetic conflict. However, it also raises important questions about the ethics of violence and the use of scapegoating as a means of achieving social order.

Chapter 8 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “Sacrifice and the Sacred.” In this chapter, Girard explores the concept of sacrifice and its role in human societies.

Girard argues that sacrifice is a fundamental aspect of human culture, and that it is rooted in mimetic desire and the need to manage conflict. Sacrifice involves the ritual killing or offering of a victim, and it is intended to restore social order and harmony.

However, Girard also notes that sacrifice is often a source of violence and injustice, as innocent victims are often targeted and sacrificed. He also argues that the Christian Gospel offers a way of breaking the cycle of sacrifice and establishing a new way of living in the world.

Girard also explores the concept of the “sacred,” which refers to the objects, places, and rituals that are considered holy or divine. The sacred is a way of channeling mimetic desire and managing conflict, and it is often associated with sacrifice.

Overall, Chapter 8 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” provides a valuable analysis of the concept of sacrifice and its role in human societies. It highlights the tension between the need to manage conflict and the potential for violence and injustice, and it offers insight into the role of the sacred in channeling mimetic desire. It also highlights the potential of the Gospel to provide an alternative to the cycle of sacrifice and establish a new way of living in the world.

Chapter 9 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” by René Girard is titled “Christianity, Violence, and Representation.” In this chapter, Girard explores the relationship between Christianity and violence, and argues that Christianity offers a unique perspective on the nature of violence and its role in human societies.

Girard contends that Christianity is fundamentally a religion of nonviolence, and that it offers a way of breaking the cycle of violence that has characterized human history. He argues that the Gospel provides a unique perspective on the nature of violence, and that it exposes the mechanisms of scapegoating and sacrifice that have underpinned human societies for millennia.

Girard also discusses the concept of “representation,” which refers to the idea that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross represents a new way of understanding the relationship between violence and social order. Through his death and resurrection, Christ provides a way of breaking the cycle of violence and establishing a new way of living in the world.

Overall, Chapter 9 of “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” provides a thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between Christianity and violence. It highlights the ways in which the Gospel provides a unique perspective on the nature of violence and the mechanisms of scapegoating and sacrifice. It also provides insight into the concept of representation and the role of Christ’s sacrifice in establishing a new way of living in the world.

“Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” remains a powerful and relevant work in today’s world, as we continue to grapple with issues of conflict, violence, and social order. Girard’s analysis of mimetic desire and the mechanisms of scapegoating and sacrifice provide valuable insights into the root causes of these problems, and his vision of a new way of living in the world based on the Christian Gospel’s message of love, forgiveness, and nonviolence is a powerful alternative to the cycles of violence and aggression that so often dominate our societies.

In today’s world, as we face a range of complex and interconnected challenges, from political polarization and social inequality to environmental degradation and the ongoing threat of global conflict, the insights offered by “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World” are more important than ever. By challenging us to rethink our understanding of human behavior and culture, Girard’s work provides a valuable framework for creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Whether in academia or in the broader public sphere, the ideas presented in this book continue to inspire and motivate people to work towards a better future for all.