Hey everyone,
I wanted to share something that’s been on my mind. I’ve been reading a book that really shifted how I understand what’s going on in the world — not just politically or socially, but deep down, at the level of human nature.
The book is called Vampirocene – How Traumatic Structural Dissociation Leads Our Society into a Spiral of Violence, by Dr. Ansgar Rougemont-Bücking. It’s not a light read, but it hit me hard in the best way.The author’s core idea is that we humans are wired for connection. We’re not meant to be isolated, hyper-rational, or at war with each other. But trauma — especially long-term, structural, and collective trauma — disconnects us: from ourselves, from each other, from the planet. And over time, this disconnection shapes the world we live in. It even becomes normalized, like it’s just “human nature.” But it’s not.
He uses a mix of neurobiology, psychology, and cultural analysis to show how trauma may underlie a lot of what we see today:
One part that stuck with me was his breakdown of modern archetypes: the vampire who drains others to survive, the zombie (wet and dry types), and the werewolf — someone who looks normal but explodes in destructive ways when it’s “safe” to do so (online, behind closed doors, etc). He even connects this to things like mass shootings.
It’s heavy, yeah. But it’s also hopeful. The book made me feel like things make more sense now — like there’s a deeper logic to why things are the way they are. And more importantly, it points to how healing, connection, and trust could actually change our trajectory as a species.
I’m curious what others here think. Does this way of looking at trauma and disconnection resonate with how you see the future unfolding? Could a deeper understanding of this stuff be just as important as AI, climate, or tech innovation?
The book’s available in English and German, and a French edition is coming soon.
Would love to hear your thoughts.