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René Girard was a French intellectual working at Stanford University in San Francisco in the 70s and 80s who came up with some compelling theories about human behaviour and the origin of religion. A decade after his death, he is also being quoted by Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs such as Peter Thiel and Vice-President JD Vance. Why is Girard having such a moment? What is it about his theories of mimetic desire and scapegoating that resonate right now? And is there a key Christian message being missed out by his new devotees? Rev Giles Fraser has a Girard 101. He's in a discussion with his Girard's friend and biographer Cynthia Haven, theologian Michael Kirwan SJ from Trinity College Dublin and philosopher Dr Alexander Douglas, author of 'Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping the Self' Thanks to Sam Sorich, director of 'Things Hidden: the life and legacy of René Girard' and Professor Robert Pogue Harrison for use of Stanford Radio archive. Presenter: Giles Fraser Studio Manager; Mark Ward Asst Producer: Charlie Filmer-Court Producer: Catherine Murray Editor Tim Pemberton