Surreal illustration of a dissolving face representing the Buddhist concept of nonself.

Unmasking the Self: How Buddhist Philosophy Can Revolutionize Mimetic Theory

Avery Sinclair in Mind & Education June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how the concept of 'nonself' in Buddhism challenges traditional views of identity and desire, offering fresh perspectives on human behavior and social dynamics."

In a world increasingly obsessed with self-discovery and personal branding, the ancient teachings of Buddhism offer a radical alternative: the concept of 'nonself,' or 'Anattā.' This idea challenges the very notion of a fixed, independent identity, suggesting instead that we are all interconnected and constantly changing. While seemingly esoteric, this philosophy has profound implications for how we understand desire, relationships, and even the nature of society itself.

René Girard, a renowned French philosopher, developed mimetic theory, which posits that our desires are not innate but rather learned through imitation. We desire what others desire, leading to competition, rivalry, and even violence. Girard's theory brilliantly explains many aspects of human behavior, but it often leaves unanswered questions about the underlying nature of the self and its motivations.

What happens when we bring these two powerful frameworks—Buddhist philosophy and mimetic theory—into conversation? This article explores that very question, revealing how the concept of 'Anattā' can revolutionize our understanding of mimetic desire. By unmasking the illusion of the self, we can gain deeper insights into the dynamics of human interaction, paving the way for greater compassion, empathy, and ultimately, a more harmonious world.

What is Nonself (Anattā) and Why Does It Matter?

Surreal illustration of a dissolving face representing the Buddhist concept of nonself.

At the heart of Buddhist philosophy lies the concept of Anattā, often translated as 'nonself' or 'no-soul.' This doesn't mean we don't exist, but rather that the idea of a permanent, unchanging self is an illusion. According to Buddhist teachings, what we perceive as our 'self' is simply a collection of constantly changing physical and mental processes—thoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions—that arise and pass away.

Understanding Anattā is crucial because it challenges the ego-driven desires that often lead to suffering. When we cling to the idea of a fixed self, we become attached to things that are ultimately impermanent—our possessions, our relationships, our very identities. This attachment leads to dissatisfaction, as everything we hold dear is subject to change and eventual loss.

Here’s a breakdown of why Anattā matters:

It frees us from the illusion of a permanent self, reducing attachment and suffering.
It fosters a sense of interconnectedness, promoting compassion and empathy.
It encourages us to live in the present moment, appreciating the ever-changing nature of reality.
It undermines the basis for ego-driven desires, leading to a more peaceful and contented life.

By recognizing the impermanent nature of our 'self,' we can begin to loosen our grip on ego-driven desires and cultivate a more balanced and compassionate approach to life. This is where the connection to mimetic theory becomes particularly intriguing.

Embracing Interconnectedness: A Path to Ethical Living

By integrating the Buddhist understanding of 'nonself' with Girard's mimetic theory, we gain a powerful framework for understanding human behavior and building a more compassionate society. Recognizing our interconnectedness and the illusory nature of the self allows us to break free from the cycle of mimetic desire, fostering empathy, reducing conflict, and ultimately, living a more ethical and fulfilling life. This integration invites us to consider how ancient wisdom can inform our modern understanding of ourselves and the world around us, offering a path toward greater harmony and well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1353/ctn.2013.0002, Alternate LINK

Title: The Nonself Of Girard

Subject: Literature and Literary Theory

Journal: Contagion: Journal of Violence, Mimesis, and Culture

Publisher: Project Muse

Authors: Samuel Buchoul

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is 'Anattā,' and how does it differ from the common understanding of 'self'?

'Anattā,' often translated as 'nonself' or 'no-soul,' is a core concept in Buddhist philosophy. It posits that the idea of a permanent, unchanging self is an illusion. Instead, what we perceive as our 'self' is a collection of constantly changing physical and mental processes, such as thoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions that arise and pass away. This contrasts with the common understanding of 'self' as a fixed, independent entity.

How can understanding 'Anattā' help reduce suffering, as mentioned in the context of Buddhist teachings?

Understanding 'Anattā' is believed to reduce suffering by freeing individuals from the illusion of a permanent self. This reduces attachment to things that are impermanent, such as possessions, relationships, and identities. This attachment often leads to dissatisfaction because everything is subject to change and eventual loss. By recognizing the impermanent nature of our 'self,' we can loosen our grip on ego-driven desires and cultivate a more balanced and compassionate approach to life. This also undermines the basis for ego-driven desires, leading to a more peaceful and contented life.

How does René Girard's mimetic theory explain desire, and what questions does it leave unanswered about the self?

René Girard's mimetic theory suggests that our desires are not innate but are learned through imitation. We desire what others desire, leading to competition, rivalry, and even violence. While Girard's theory explains many aspects of human behavior, it often leaves unanswered questions about the underlying nature of the self and its motivations, particularly what drives the initial desires and imitations.

In what ways can integrating the Buddhist concept of 'Anattā' with René Girard's mimetic theory lead to a more compassionate society?

Integrating 'Anattā' with Girard's mimetic theory allows us to recognize our interconnectedness and the illusory nature of the self. This understanding can help us break free from the cycle of mimetic desire, fostering empathy and reducing conflict. By seeing that our desires are often imitations of others' desires, and that the 'self' we are trying to assert is not a fixed entity, we can cultivate greater compassion and ethical living.

What are the practical implications of embracing 'nonself' (Anattā) in the context of personal growth and ethical living, particularly in today's world?

Embracing 'Anattā' has several practical implications. It encourages us to live in the present moment, appreciating the ever-changing nature of reality. By recognizing the impermanent nature of our 'self,' we can loosen our grip on ego-driven desires and cultivate a more balanced and compassionate approach to life. In today's world, obsessed with self-discovery and personal branding, understanding 'Anattā' can lead to reduced attachment, increased empathy, and a more harmonious existence. This ethical grounding fosters compassion, reduces conflict, and promotes a fulfilling life beyond the constant pursuit of self-affirmation.