Vance and Thiel are not Girardian in the sense of understanding, applying, or developing his theories. They are Girardian in the sense that their behaviour is explained by Girard’s theory. They are driven by a self-image they long to project in the world—the Entrepreneur, the Visionary, the Maverick, the Redeemer—that draws them along as a model for emulation. But that is true of anyone who pursues power, status, reputation, and influence—trying to conjure being out of our essential nothingness. Doing this inevitably creates envy and rivalry with others. Anyone attempting to build a political coalition by channeling those feelings into hostility towards a scapegoat has either not understood Girard or thoroughly rejects his entire philosophy.