Dr. Dragana Favre is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and a seeker of the human psyche's mysteries. With a medical degree and extensive neuroscience education from prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Instituto de Neurociencias, she's a seasoned expert.
In today's world, ecological thought has grown into a powerful movement advocating for the preservation of our planet. For me, this journey began early on. I vividly remember one of my first encounters with ecological awareness: watching a jingle on MTV in the '80s, featuring Sting speaking about the Amazon rainforest. For the first time, I felt a deep sadness, realizing that the vast, seemingly invincible world was fragile, that those lush jungles, which I assumed would always be there, could actually vanish. It was a revelation similar to a child’s first understanding that their parents, who seem eternal, are mortal. That moment was a turning point, painting my life with shades of ecological awareness—through phases of activism, rebellion, the urge to connect, and the desire to fight alone or in unison. Through it all, the fundamental question emerged: Why do we care for the planet? Is it for our future, for other species, or for the non-human world?
This ambiguity reveals a shadow that can sabotage greater ecological efforts. The motivations behind ecological engagement are not always clear-cut; they can often be contradictory. A concerning trend arises when individuals turn to environmentalism not out of love for the planet but from a disillusionment with humanity. This can lead to a distorted form of ecological thinking, where the emphasis is less on preserving nature and more on projecting unresolved inner conflicts onto the world.
To navigate these complexities, insights from Martin Heidegger’s philosophy help differentiate between two approaches: instrumentality and techne. Instrumentality sees the world as a collection of resources, a mechanical view that leads to an exploitative relationship with nature. It reduces the planet to tools and raw materials, stripping it of intrinsic value. In contrast, techne is rooted in "poiesis", or bringing forth, emphasizing creativity, respect, and harmonious interaction. It invites us to see nature as something to participate in, nurture, and co-create, rather than dominate or escape from.
Adopting a techne-based approach can help avoid the shadow in ecological thought, where environmentalism is driven more by rejection of humanity than by love for nature. This perspective encourages ecological efforts to be seen not as a means of control but as an expression of care and creativity, a way of engaging with the world that brings together the best of humanity and nature.
Theodore Roszak’s countercultural critique offers further insights, warning against a purely mechanical worldview that alienates us from our humanity. Over-reliance on technology can lead to a sense of disconnection, not only from nature but also from ourselves. The counterculture movement of the 1960s sought to resist this alienation, advocating for a return to holistic, organic ways of being. However, Roszak also cautioned against romanticizing nature or embracing anti-urban escapism, instead arguing for a balanced approach where technology is repurposed to serve ecological and human values.
A healthy ecological perspective need not be anti-technology. Advances in medical technology, such as precision medicine, biotechnology, and regenerative therapies, exemplify how technology can be harnessed to improve human and animal health, addressing systemic diseases like cancer and chronic illnesses. Similarly, innovations in agricultural practices, such as sustainable farming techniques and animal welfare improvements, show that technological development can coexist with ecological values. When approached mindfully, technology can enhance well-being and promote a healthier, more balanced way of living, reflecting a creative and responsible engagement with our environment. Or, as Glen Slater described it more clearly in his book “Jung vs. Borg”: “ (there is) psychological difference between using a tool and becoming tools of that tool" (Slater, 2024, p. 190).
In Jungian terms, the Shadow represents unconscious aspects of the personality that we deny or repress. When applied to ecological thinking, the shadow can manifest as eco-misanthropy—idealizing nature while scorning humanity. This often reveals deeper, unresolved conflicts such as disillusionment, alienation, or self-loathing. When environmental engagement is driven by these shadows, it becomes less about genuine care and more about projecting inner struggles onto the world. This mindset leads to a self-sabotaging "us vs. them" dynamic, where humans are seen solely as the enemy of nature.
The shadow can also take the form of a "narcissistic ecological self," where individuals use environmentalism to project an idealized self-image, rather than confronting real sustainability challenges. This performative activism is driven by the desire to appear righteous or pure, leading to a dissociative split: one part identifies with the purity of nature, while another projects blame onto society. Such dissociation prevents authentic engagement with the complex, messy reality of the world.
To cultivate a more integrated ecological perspective, it is essential to address these shadow elements and solipsistic tendencies. Healing requires acknowledging the contradictions in motivations and fostering empathy and connection to both nature and humanity.
The first step is becoming conscious of the shadow aspects of ecological thought. Recognizing where misanthropy or resentment might influence one’s views helps shift motivation from anger to genuine care and interconnectedness. Integrating the shadow means accepting humans as part of the ecological system, not only as destroyers but also as stewards and creators. Just as nature can heal and renew, humanity has the potential to learn, adapt, and foster symbiotic relationships with the environment.
Overcoming dissociation involves reimagining our relationship with technology and humanity. Instead of seeing technology as the enemy, we can learn to use it as an art of living—recognizing its potential to support ecological balance and using it thoughtfully and creatively. Shifting from fear and rejection to love and integration can bridge gaps between humanity, technology, and the environment.
Developing a balanced perspective that appreciates both humanity and technology without romanticizing one or demonizing the other is crucial. It involves nurturing an ecophilic mindset, where love for the planet is born not from rejection of humanity, but from an understanding of interdependence. Integrating the shadow and moving beyond solipsistic tendencies allows for an ecological self that is curious, open, and capable of seeing the world—and technology—as partners in sustainability.
This balanced approach fosters a kind of techne rooted in creativity and care, enabling new ways of connecting with the planet while embracing the complex, often contradictory, aspects of human existence. Heidegger’s techne and Roszak’s critique provide vital insights for developing a healthy ecological mindset. By acknowledging and integrating the shadow, and by cultivating a love that extends to both nature and humanity, we can avoid the traps of eco-misanthropy and dissociation.
For me, the journey of ecological awareness is a dance between hope and despair, rebellion and connection. Each encounter with the natural world has taught me something about myself, about the beauty of fragility, and the strength found in community. Perhaps the path forward is not about choosing sides—humanity or nature, technology or simplicity—but about weaving them together.
After all, nature has its share of poisonous frogs and sharp-toothed creatures, yet it remains nurturing and marvelous. Likewise, humanity, with its own sharp tongues and Machiavellian souls, is still nurturing and marvelous.
Dragana Favre, Psychiatrist and Jungian Psychotherapist
Dr. Dragana Favre is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and a seeker of the human psyche's mysteries. With a medical degree and extensive neuroscience education from prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Instituto de Neurociencias, she's a seasoned expert. Her unique approach combines Jungian psychotherapy, EMDR, and dream interpretation, guiding patients towards self-discovery and healing. Beyond her profession, Dr. Favre is passionate about science fiction, nature, and cosmology. Her ex-Yugoslavian roots in the small town of Kikinda offer a rich backdrop to her life's journey. She is dedicated to helping people find their true selves, much like an alchemist turning lead into gold.
