JD Vance, Rene Girard, Augustine

The ideology of Vice President Vance originates from René Girard and Augustine, emphasizing self-restraint, and bears similarities to the teachings of the Buddha (clockwise: Augustine, Girard, Thiel, Vance).

J.D. Vance, elected as Vice President of the United States in 2024, gained prominence for his book Hillbilly Elegy, which vividly depicts the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly the white working class in Appalachia. Vance’s background and ideology are deeply intertwined with contemporary American social and political issues, and his philosophical foundation has been influenced by René Girard’s theory of “mimetic desire.” This article examines the distinctive features of Vance’s thought in relation to Girard’s theory, while exploring the internal contradictions of American society and potential solutions to its problems.

Hillbilly Culture and Prejudice in American Society

The author’s personal experience living in Kentucky exposed them to Appalachian culture and the prejudices directed at it. Terms like “hillbilly” and “redneck” are often used mockingly by outsiders to describe people from the region, invoking derogatory images such as “barefoot” or “using rope as a belt.” However, the author’s experience showed that Appalachian residents are often reserved, sincere, and humble, possessing traits that align closely with traditional Japanese values. From this perspective, it is possible to understand why Vance, despite being seen by some as “macho,” is also regarded as a figure with philosophical depth.

Vance and Girard’s “Mimetic Desire”

Vance’s ideas are strongly influenced by René Girard’s theory of “mimetic desire,” which he became familiar with through his former boss at an investment fund, Peter Thiel. Thiel, now the seventh wealthiest person in the world, studied under Girard, who was a professor at Stanford University.

According to Girard, human desires are born through the imitation of others’ desires. While individual desires may be pure and harmless in isolation, socialization leads to the imitation of others’ desires, intensifying competition. Ultimately, the focus shifts from the object of desire to a fixation on “distinction from others,” resulting in endless competition that breeds social strife and instability.

This theory aptly explains the extreme inequality and consumerism in contemporary American society. American liberalism, rooted in the ideals of liberty and individual rights established through the modern democratic revolutions, has paradoxically led to a situation where the wealthiest few monopolize the resources of the middle and lower classes. In such a society, individuals often pursue fictitious desires driven by the need to distinguish themselves from others, undermining the sustainability of the social fabric.

Girard’s Thought and Religious-Philosophical Perspectives

Girard’s ideas resonate with religious philosophies, including Christianity and Buddhism. His concept of “social stability through sacrifice” connects deeply with the Christian notion of Jesus’ sacrifice and the Buddhist teaching of liberation from kleshas (worldly desires). Girard, drawing from Augustine, argued that human free will is inherently limited and that the regulation of desires is impossible without divine grace. This perspective aligns with Buddhist teachings on “anatta” (non-self) and renunciation of desires, emphasizing introspection and humility.

Vance’s embrace of Girard’s thought reflects his critique of modern society’s overreliance on individual free will. Free will does not always lead to righteous actions, and as long as individuals are trapped in mimetic desires, societal chaos remains a risk. What is needed, therefore, is introspection to break free from fictitious desires and a humility that seeks harmony with others and society.

Implications for Modern American Society

Vance identifies two key principles for addressing the issues facing contemporary American society:
1. Breaking Free from Fictitious Desires
Individuals must recognize, through introspection, that they are trapped in mimetic desires and instead pursue authentic desires.
2. Humble Recognition of Free Will
Society must reject blind faith in free will, curb self-centered actions, and operate within ethical and communal frameworks.

These perspectives echo the teachings of the Buddha, who recognized the suffering inherent in the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death (samsara) and advocated renouncing kleshas as a path to liberation. Similarly, modern American society, ensnared in a “cycle of desire” driven by consumerism and an overreliance on free will, requires introspection and humility for emancipation.

Conclusion

J.D. Vance demonstrates a deep understanding of America’s social pathologies and, drawing on Girard’s thought, proposes a new societal model founded on introspection and humility. His philosophy offers insights for addressing the issues of inequality and excessive desires in contemporary America and provides meaningful lessons from religious and ethical perspectives. These ideas transcend political ideology, challenging individuals to rethink the very essence of human existence.