Things Hidden from the Foundation of the World

René Girard, one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century, in his breakthrough book “Things Hidden from the Foundation of the World” discovers the mechanisms that shape human societies, culture, and religion. His mimetic theory explains how desires are imitated, leading to conflicts and violence, and then to the establishment of sacrificial mechanisms that stabilize communities. This is an intellectual journey through human history, in which Girard interprets the Bible, mythology, and literature, revealing the hidden structures of our actions and beliefs. He discovers that sacrifice and the scapegoat are the foundation of civilization, and Christianity brings a breakthrough by unmasking this dynamic and opening the way to true peace. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand human nature, the sources of violence, and the role of religion in history. “Things Hidden from the Foundation of the World” is not only a brilliant philosophical work but also a tool for deeper understanding of contemporary conflicts and social mechanisms.