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I had the reverse happen, where, once I knew of Thiel’s affinity and support for his work, I became far more disinterested. I’ve read most of Girard’s books an

I had the reverse happen, where, once I knew of Thiel’s affinity and support for his work, I became far more disinterested. I’ve read most of Girard’s books and while I think they’re a good critique of both desire and the formation of religions, it has a great deal of shortcomings because of Girard’s retreat into theology. Instead of really tackling the problems his work raises, he simply sets it aside with something to the affect of “be a Christian,” (while nowhere acknowledging how modern Christianity has been weaponized to spread the kind of contagion and scapegoating his work sought to expose.) I do think an understanding of Girard’s philosophy is necessary to understand Thiel’s political project. But I think he’s actually taken a quite dark lesson from Girard, allying himself with a new, scapegoating sacrificial order to attain further economic and political power.

teamwork007 7y ago
I'm actually not clear on Thiel's intent with his 'political project' or how it relates to Girard. Is it that Thiel believes Trump is an ideal scapegoat to break the cycle of violence in US politics? Or does he see Trump as the false scapegoat and is supporting him since he thinks it's a good long run bet comparable to Jesus? It's hard to cut through and in my view makes Thiel look wholly unserious given that he obtained New Zealand citizenship after the election and stated that there's a 50% chance Trump could be a disaster.
- claudeganon 7y ago
  I think that Thiel’s intent is to support and normalize a far right politics that will scapegoat immigrants and other minorities so (to his mind) a more mimeticaly stable oligarchic order can replace democracy. It’s why he’s also supported and been in league with other “Dark Englighment” figures and written tracts in opposition to the enfranchisement of women. It’s all little more than dressed up fascism.

teamwork007 7y ago

I'm actually not clear on Thiel's intent with his 'political project' or how it relates to Girard. Is it that Thiel believes Trump is an ideal scapegoat to break the cycle of violence in US politics? Or does he see Trump as the false scapegoat and is supporting him since he thinks it's a good long run bet comparable to Jesus? It's hard to cut through and in my view makes Thiel look wholly unserious given that he obtained New Zealand citizenship after the election and stated that there's a 50% chance Trump could be a disaster.

claudeganon 7y ago
I think that Thiel’s intent is to support and normalize a far right politics that will scapegoat immigrants and other minorities so (to his mind) a more mimeticaly stable oligarchic order can replace democracy. It’s why he’s also supported and been in league with other “Dark Englighment” figures and written tracts in opposition to the enfranchisement of women. It’s all little more than dressed up fascism.