English.
Desire is a loaded term that differs dramatically in different contexts. Many scholars debate the differences in the Stoic meaning and Christian perspectives of desire. Pierre Hadot and Robert Donaldson both argue based on Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations the Stoic perspective that humans are born neither good nor bad but that it is external forces, such as desire, that complicate life steering an individual away from virtuousness and as a result happiness. Therefore, in order to maintain happiness an individual must discipline external forces such as desire and be one with nature. This differs dramatically from the views of LeRon Shults and Outler Albert who, based on St. Augustines’ Confessions, argue that desire stems from within an individual and it is up to an individual to find the strength to withstand natural desires. Desire plays a very different role in Stoicism and Christianity than in modern day geek culture. I have developed my own view on the role that desire plays in modern day geek culture. In modern day geek culture, desire is arguably the glue that holds together a specific hobby community. To explain my personal ideas I will use the example of baking to demonstrate that desire is the driving force in geek culture.