The Engine of Rivalry

Rivalry is both generative and destructive. The key is knowing the difference—and the pivot point.

“Rivalry exists at the very heart of human social relations.” —René Girard

The great social theorist René Girard realized that people are naturally inclined to desire what their neighbors possess—or even what their neighbors simply desire. And he realized what this meant: that there is a principle of rivalry governing nearly all human relationships.

Ther…