Who is the author of 'Resurrection from the Underground'?

The author of 'Resurrection from the Underground' is René Girard.

What are the main themes in 'Resurrection from the Underground'?

The main themes in 'Resurrection from the Underground' include Theology, Eastern Philosophy, Psychology of Emotions, Western Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy, Psychology, Spirituality and Religion.

What genre is 'Resurrection from the Underground'?

'Resurrection from the Underground' is categorized as Philosophy, Psychology, Spirituality and Religion.

What is the main theme of 'Resurrection from the Underground'?

The main theme of 'Resurrection from the Underground' by René Girard revolves around the concepts of desire, violence, and the possibility of redemption. Girard explores how human desires are often mimetic, leading to rivalry and conflict, ultimately resulting in violence. He contrasts this with the idea of resurrection and redemption, suggesting that through understanding these dynamics, individuals can find a path toward spiritual renewal and transformation.

Who is the author of 'Resurrection from the Underground'?

The author of 'Resurrection from the Underground' is René Girard.

What are some key ideas that René Girard presents in the book?

In 'Resurrection from the Underground,' René Girard presents several key ideas including: Mimetic Desire: Girard discusses the concept that human desire is not autonomous but is imitative; people desire what others desire, leading to competition and conflict. Scapegoating Mechanism: He explores how societies often channel violence and conflict onto a scapegoat, allowing communities to unify against a common enemy, thereby restoring social order temporarily. The Role of the Victim: Girard emphasizes how the victim's suffering is often overlooked in societal dynamics, as the scapegoat bears the burden of collective guilt and violence. Religious and Mythological Narratives: He analyzes how various religious texts and myths reflect the scapegoating process and reveal deeper truths about human behavior and societal crises. The Resurrection of Christ: Girard specifically ties the concept of resurrection to the idea of revealing the innocence of the scapegoat, suggesting that through Christ's resurrection, the injustice of the scapegoating mechanism is exposed and challenged.

How does the book relate to concepts of violence and sacrifice?

'Resurrection from the Underground' by René Girard explores the dynamics of violence and sacrifice through the lens of human relationships and culture. Girard argues that violence is inherent in human nature and often arises from mimetic desires, where individuals imitate each other's wants and aspirations, leading to rivalry and conflict. Sacrifice, in this context, emerges as a mechanism for resolving violence. Girard posits that society channels its violent impulses through the act of scapegoating, where a victim is chosen to absorb the community's collective aggression. This victimization restores social order temporarily but perpetuates a cycle of violence. Girard's work examines the fundamental relationship between violence, desire, and the sacrificial practices that seek to maintain peace in society, ultimately calling into question the moral implications of such practices.

In what ways does 'Resurrection from the Underground' explore the nature of desire?

'Resurrection from the Underground' by René Girard explores the nature of desire through several key concepts: Mimetic Desire: Girard introduces the idea that human desire is imitative, meaning that people desire what others desire. This suggests that our desires are not inherently personal but are influenced by the desires of those around us. Through characters and narratives, Girard illustrates how this mimetic rivalry leads to conflict and violence. Desire and Sacrifice: The book examines how desires can lead individuals to sacrifice others or themselves in pursuit of what they want. Girard discusses the sacrificial mechanisms that societies employ to manage conflict arising from competing desires. Desire, Violence, and the Sacred: Girard connects desire with violence, asserting that unrestrained desires can lead to chaos and conflict. He argues that myths and religious practices often arise from the need to regulate desire and channel violence towards a sacrificial victim, thus restoring social order. Redemption and Transcendence: The concept of resurrection in the title delves into the potential for redemption from our destructive desires. Girard suggests that recognizing the nature of mimetic desire can lead to a transformative understanding of love and selflessness, allowing individuals to transcend their rivalry and conflict. Cultural Reflections: Through philosophical and literary analysis, Girard reflects on how culture shapes and distorts desire, influencing our perceptions of worth and fulfillment. He critiques societal norms that perpetuate unhealthy desires and encourages a reevaluation of what it means to truly desire in a constructive way. Overall, Girard's exploration of desire in 'Resurrection from the Underground' is complex and multifaceted, providing insights into the human condition and the societal structures that can emerge from our desires.

Resurrection from the Underground

In 'Resurrection from the Underground', René Girard explores the intricate relationship between desire and violence, dissecting human behavior through the lens of literary analysis. He argues that our desires are not autonomous but rather shaped by the desires of others, leading to inevitable rivalries and conflict. Girard delves into the implications of this mimetic desire, suggesting it can either lead to destruction or ultimately to redemption through understanding and sacrifice. The book intertwines philosophy, psychology, and theology, challenging readers to rethink the foundations of societal norms and personal relationships. With profound insights and a provocative examination of the human condition, Girard invites us to confront the shadows of our desires and the path to genuine resurrection.

By René Girard

Published: 2012

""In the depths of despair, we often find the truest reflection of our desires and fears, revealing the intricate dance between sacrifice and salvation that defines the human experience.""

Philosophy Psychology Spirituality and Religion Eastern Philosophy Western Philosophy Psychology of Emotions Philosophy of Mind Theology

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What Readers Say About This Book

In a fascinating analysis of critical themes in Feodor Dostoevsky’s work, René Girard explores the implications of the Russian author’s “underground,” a site of isolation, alienation, and resentment. Brilliantly translated, this book is a testament to Girard’s remarkable engagement with Dostoevsky’s work, through which he discusses numerous aspects of the human condition, including desire, which Girard argues is “triangular” or “mimetic”—copied from models or mediators whose objects of desire become our own. Girard’s interdisciplinary approach allows him to shed new light on religion, spirituality, and redemption in Dostoevsky’s writing, culminating in a revelatory discussion of the author’s spiritual understanding and personal integration. Resurrection is an essential and thought-provoking companion to Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground.

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Key Points from Resurrection from the Underground

In "Resurrection from the Underground," René Girard articulates his central thesis regarding the nature of human desire as fundamentally mimetic, suggesting that individuals do not desire in isolation but are influenced by the desires of others. A poignant example Girard uses is the relationship between friends or rivals, where an individual's aspiration becomes a reflection of another's desires. This idea manifests in various forms of competition, such as the rivalry seen in literature and drama, from the jealousy between characters to the violent outcomes of their conflicts. For instance, he discusses literary examples from Dostoevsky and Shakespeare, where characters' imitative desires lead to tragic outcomes, illustrating how desires can underpin cycles of violence. This argument is significant as it reframes the understanding of personal relationships and conflicts, emphasizing that violence is often a direct result of these imitative desires, rather than an expression of innate human aggression. Girard’s exploration of mimetic desire connects to broader themes such as scapegoating, social order, and the mechanism of culture, ultimately suggesting that understanding these dynamics is crucial for breaking cycles of rivalry and fostering resolution and reconciliation in human societies.

About the Author

René Girard

René Girard (1923-2015) was a French philosopher, literary critic, and cultural anthropologist known for his groundbreaking theories on mimetic desire, scapegoating, and the role of violence in human culture. His notable works include 'Deceit, Desire, and the Novel' (1961), 'Violence and the Sacred' (1972), and 'Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World' (1978). Girard's writing style blends philosophical rigor with literary analysis, offering deep insights into the dynamics of human relationships and societal structures. His ideas have influenced a range of disciplines, including literature, theology, and social sciences, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary thought.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors: René Girard
Published: January 2012
Publisher: Michigan State University Press
ISBN: 1611860377
Language: English
Pages: 120
Genres: TheologyEastern PhilosophyPsychology of EmotionsWestern PhilosophyPhilosophy of MindPhilosophyPsychologySpirituality and Religion

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“"In the depths of despair, we often find the truest reflection of our desires and fears, revealing the intricate dance between sacrifice and salvation that defines the human experience."”

Resurrection from the Underground

By René Girard

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Key Points from Resurrection from the Underground

In "Resurrection from the Underground," René Girard articulates his central thesis regarding the nature of human desire as fundamentally mimetic, suggesting that individuals do not desire in isolation but are influenced by the desires of others. A poignant example Girard uses is the relationship between friends or rivals, where an individual's aspiration becomes a reflection of another's desires. This idea manifests in various forms of competition, such as the rivalry seen in literature and drama, from the jealousy between characters to the violent outcomes of their conflicts. For instance, he discusses literary examples from Dostoevsky and Shakespeare, where characters' imitative desires lead to tragic outcomes, illustrating how desires can underpin cycles of violence. This argument is significant as it reframes the understanding of personal relationships and conflicts, emphasizing that violence is often a direct result of these imitative desires, rather than an expression of innate human aggression. Girard’s exploration of mimetic desire connects to broader themes such as scapegoating, social order, and the mechanism of culture, ultimately suggesting that understanding these dynamics is crucial for breaking cycles of rivalry and fostering resolution and reconciliation in human societies.

Resurrection from the Underground

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What Readers Say About This Book

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Key Points from Resurrection from the Underground

About the Author

René Girard

Book Details

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The Lady from Zagreb

The System of the World

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