Understanding Desires and Harnessing Social Tokens for Community Building

Understanding Desires and Harnessing Social Tokens for Community Building

Introduction:
Desires are complex and multifaceted, driven by both intellectual and social influences. Understanding the nature of desires and the role of mimetic attraction can help us gain control over our own desires. Additionally, social tokens have emerged as a powerful tool for community building and collaboration. In this article, we will explore the connection between desires and social tokens, and how they can be harnessed to create strong and cohesive communities.

Desires and the Social Nature of Desire:
Desires, unlike needs, are intellectual appetites for things that we perceive as good, even without a physical or instinctual basis for wanting them. Thomas Aquinas referred to these intellectual appetites as part of the 'will'. When we possess the object of our desire, we experience joy, as long as we can find rest in it. However, desire itself often brings us unrest, as it is always for something we feel we lack. Interestingly, desire is not solely under our control but is largely influenced by social processes. It is mimetic in nature, meaning it is shaped by the models of desire we encounter in our social environment.

Internal and External Models of Desire:
Desire is influenced by both internal and external models. Internal models refer to the people we interact with closely, such as friends, family, and coworkers. These individuals have a significant impact on our desires as they can influence and shape what we perceive as desirable. On the other hand, external models include celebrities, historical figures, and media representations. Advertisers often capitalize on mimetic desire by showcasing others wanting the product or lifestyle, enticing us to desire the same. It is crucial to be aware of these models and recognize their influence on our desires.

The Pitfalls of Mimetic Desire:
Mimetic desire can often lead to unnecessary competition and rivalry as we strive to obtain what others desire. It is easy to become consumed by the desires of our neighbors or external models, neglecting our own responsibilities and relationships. We may find ourselves trapped in a system of desires that align with someone else's expectations, like the Michelin Guide example. To gain control over our desires, it is important to identify the systems of desire we are enmeshed in and take critical distance from them.

Understanding the Origins of Desires:
To determine our true and authentic desires, it is crucial to understand their origins. Our desires have a history that shapes who we are as individuals. By delving deep into our past, we can recognize which desires have been with us for a long time and which ones are fleeting. This self-reflection allows us to differentiate between desires influenced by mimetic attraction and those aligned with our core values and aspirations.