Against Catastrophism

“To read these essays is to engage in an exciting conversation with eminent psychoanalysts and academic scholars on the global impact of rapidly increasing climate change affecting every aspect of our existence---from economic stability and food accessibility to physical health and mental stability. The authors address our intrapsychic resistances of denial and disavowal, with their compensatory fantasies of omnipotent control over nature; but also the catastrophic paralyses we experience when defenses fail. This book invites readers to join in a new narrative that acknowledges the truth but also offers hope for next generation stakeholders.” - Bonnie E. Litowitz, Ph.D.; Editor-in Chief Emerita, Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association (JAPA); editor (with Glen Gabbard and Paul Williams), Textbook of Psychoanalysis, 2nd & 3rd Editions; faculty, Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute, retired “This book explores the concept of catastrophism, that today refers to the tendency to exaggerate dangers, which hampers the response to the global environmental crisis. With brilliant and clear contributions from psychoanalysts, economists, food scientists and anthropologists, the text criticizes the paralysis caused by fear and the media, and proposes a new narrative that promotes ecosystem regeneration and a sustainable future. The book urges overcoming inaction through a culture that combines individual creativity with collective commitment, and offers valuable insights not only for psychotherapists but for anyone interested in psychoanalysis and the humanities.” - Giuseppe Civitarese, MD, PhD; member, SPI, APsaA, IPA; author, On Arrogance: A Psychoanalytic Essay (Routledge) “I especially recommend reading this book, which displays a topic of pressing relevance with seriousness and commitment that make it a truly necessary text.” - Dr Hilda Catz, PhD; full member, IPA, FEPAL; director, Psychoanalysis and Society of the Argentine Psychoanalytic Association; visual artist and writer “If we needed an original, direct, nuanced psychoanalytic inquiry into the dangers of catastrophic thinking, most notably with regard to the desecration of planet earth, this book is it. Cosimo Schinaia has brought together a first-rate group of authors to engage in disentangling catastrophism from creativity, radical hope, essential inter-dependence and psychic growth in times of great difficulty, through a series of dazzling essays. This book is of great relevance to us all.” - Paul Williams, member, Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California; Joint Editor-in-Chief, The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 2001-2007 “This collection of essays passionately argues for a creative hope to confront the catastrophism of today. In the face of pending global destructivity, each author thoughtfully explores how psychoanalysis can authentically challenge the drastic warnings of our time.” - Jan Abram, President, European Psychoanalytical Society; author, The Surviving Object: Psychoanalytic clinical essays on psychic survival-of-the-object