How Violence Works

<p>This book uncovers how violence stems from our desires. It explores why we compete envy and sometimes escalate conflicts into war. From wanting material things such as cars or prestigious jobs to seeking power or influence desire can often lead to violence. The book shows how this plays out in major historical events such as 9/11 and the two World Wars. Drawing from literature pop culture psychology mythology and religion it explains how desire is always mimetic or imitative. We desire what another person wants. While mimetic desire can be a constructive mechanism it is also capable of creating violent mechanisms such as the scapegoat mechanism which we have seen throughout history. In looking at Jesus Christ’s passion and resurrection we see how he uncovered the scapegoat mechanism and along with his teachings offered a viable path to peace and an end to violence.</p>