Origins & Early Life

René Noël Théophile Girard (; French: [ʁəne nɔɛl teɔfil ʒiʁaʁ]; 25 December 1923 – 4 November 2015) was a French academic best known for developing mimetic theory, which posits that human desire is fundamentally imitative, leading to rivalry, violence and the scapegoat mechanism as foundations of religion and culture. Holding academic appointments primarily in literature departments in the United States, his interdisciplinary work influenced fields ranging from theology to economics to psychology and cultural studies. Girard first outlined the foundations of mimetic theory in his debut book Deceit, Desire, and the Novel (1961), a work of literary criticism, and extended it to anthropology in Violence and the Sacred (1972). Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World (1978), considered his magnum opus, synthesized these ideas while applying them to a reinterpretation of Christian scriptures.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Later accessible works, such as The Scapegoat (1982) and I See Satan Fall Like Lightning (1999) further elaborated his biblical insights. In 2005, he was elected to the Académie Française, one of its 40 "immortals". Girard was born in Avignon on 25 December 1923. René Girard...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Spelling — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alan Shepard — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Pioneering American astronaut, second in space and first American on the Moon.
• Alki Zei — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Acclaimed Greek novelist and children's writer known for evocative storytelling.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam — Contemporary (Died in 2015) (2015): Visionary aerospace engineer, scientist, and former President of India.
• Adrian Frutiger — Contemporary (Died in 2015) (2015): Pioneering Swiss typeface designer, master of sans-serif aesthetics.
• Al Arbour — Contemporary (Died in 2015) (2015): Pioneering Canadian hockey player, coach, and executive known for leading the Islanders.
• Anwar Sadat — Shared historical date (12-25 · Born) (1918): Egyptian President who spearheaded economic reform and the peace treaty with Israel.
• Barbara Mandrell — Shared historical date (12-25 · Born) (1948): Iconic American country music singer known for her steel guitar skills and crossover appeal.
• Buddy Bolden — Shared historical date (11-04 · Died) (1931): Pioneering cornetist credited with developing the early New Orleans style of jazz.
• Carlo Blasis — Shared historical date (11-04 · Born) (1797): Pioneering Italian ballet dancer and influential dance theoretician.
• 1923 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1923
• December 25 (12-25) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 25
• 2015 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2015
• November 4 (11-04) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 4