Wanting by Luke Burgis

1. Understand Mimetic Desire

Burgi states:

"We often desire things not because of their inherent value, but because others desire them."

Actionable Advice: Be aware of mimetic desire in your life. Recognize when others influence your wishes and make conscious choices about what you genuinely want.

2. Discern between authentic and mimetic desire

Burgis says:

"Not all desires are mimetic. Some come from deep within us."

Actionable Advice: Regularly reflect on your desires. Distinguish between what you genuinely want and what you want because others like it.

3. Recognize the role of role models

According to Burgis:

"Our role models can significantly influence our desires."

Actionable Advice: Choose your role models wisely. Ensure they represent the values and goals aligning with your authentic self.

4. Embrace the conflict of desires

As Burgis puts it:

"Conflict is not always a sign of failure, but a sign of mimetic desire at work."

Actionable Advice: Understand that conflicting desires are natural and can lead to personal growth. Use these conflicts to refine and understand your wishes better.

5. Utilize desire for personal growth

Burgi's shares:

"Desire is not something to be eliminated but to be harnessed and directed."

Actionable Advice: Use your desires as a tool for personal development. Allow them to motivate you towards growth and self-improvement.

6. Become a non-anxious presence

Burgis suggests:

"Non-anxious presences can help us break free from destructive mimetic desires."

Actionable Advice: Strive to become a non-anxious presence. By reducing anxiety and remaining calm, you can influence others positively and minimize the impact of mimetic desire.

7. Practice gratitude

Burgis advises:

"Gratitude can help us focus on our blessings and reduce the power of mimetic desire."

Actionable Advice: Regularly express gratitude for what you have. This can shift your focus from what others have and reduce the intensity of mimetic desire.

8. Cultivate mindfulness

Burgis asserts:

"Mindfulness allows us to become aware of our desires and their origins."

Actionable Advice: Practice mindfulness. This can help you become more aware of your desires, their sources, and whether they align with your authentic self.

9. Foster positive relationships

Burgi's counsels:

"Positive relationships can help us manage and understand our desires."

Actionable Advice: Nurture relationships that encourage authenticity and individuality. These can help you resist the mimetic desire and pursue your authentic passions.

10. Lead with authenticity

Burgis encourages:

"Authenticity in leadership reduces the risk of destructive mimetic desire."

Actionable Advice: If in a leadership position, strive to be authentic and transparent. This can help others resist mimetic desires and encourage them to pursue their passions.

In "Wanting," Luke Burgis offers a novel perspective on desire, revealing how it shapes our lives and society. This book invites readers on a self-reflective journey to understand and leverage their desires for personal growth and authentic living.