For many years scholars have pondered the effects religion has on a society. The satisfaction of the spiritual and emotional needs of human beings would be an effect that most of these scholars believe to be true. Some scholars even go so far as to conclude that religion plays an important role in preventing violence. For example, in René Girard's theory of mimetic desire it is the detachment from religion that leads to the breakthrough of violence. Girard's theory of mimetic desire does not apply to any particular society. On the contrary, it can apply to any society, including our civilization today. Although it is difficult to accept, most of our society has already detached itself from its religion. Fortunately we have not reached the full outbreak of violence, but our deeply rooted materialistic desire and our own disdain for the events happening in our society have brought us there. The only way we can prevent these aspects from leading to violence is to learn from the warnings and teachings of religions such as Taoism. In our society it is normal to see people running from one place to another because the common belief is “money makes the world”. turn." This belief is somewhat correct. After all, money allows us to obtain things that bring us joy, but in the end money only fuels our materialistic desire. Where we go wrong is when as time goes on, more and more money is needed greater in order to be satisfied. This keeps us trapped in an endless cycle of materialism. Religions such as Taoism have warned us against this way of life by noting “chase money and security and your heart will never open” (Novak, 153). ).We give so much importance to this piece of paper that we are willing to live......middle of paper......exempt in societies that detach themselves from religion, the Tao is present in all members of this society. To restore peace they must reattach to the Tao. Fortunately, Taoism is not the only religion that has this ability. If we attach ourselves to any religion, be it Taoism, Buddhism or Christianity, we will find that all these religions condemn. violence that distorts peace. The life prescribed by these religions is much more pleasant than a life driven by materialism and violence. As long as we embrace their teachings instead of detaching ourselves from them, materialistic desire will subside, wars will end, and people will live in peace. Works Cited • Novak, Philip. The Wisdom of the World: Sacred Texts of the World's Religions. New York: HarperCollins, 1995. Print.• Smith, Huston. The religions of the world. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. Print.