Dirk De Wachter: “Humanity lies in connectedness”

Renowned psychiatrist Dirk De Wachter has been living with metastatic cancer for four years, but he continues to speak about hope, connection, and humanity. In a candid interview, he reflects on digital polarization, loneliness, technology, self-determination, and the finiteness of life.

Polarization and digital communication

According to De Wachter, social media reinforces rigidity and black-and-white thinking. They create bubbles where nuance disappears. Yet he also sees opportunities: technology can connect, but it requires thoughtfulness. "Wait a moment, think, discuss," he says. For him, genuine encounters remain essential.

Loneliness as a disease of the times

What De Wachter sees most in his practice is loneliness: people who have no one to listen. He points out that in Brussels, three people die every day without anyone there to listen. For him, this demonstrates how individualism has gone too far. "Relationships make us human. Without connection, we lose meaning."

Technology and AI in healthcare

De Wachter has experimented with AI and chatbots himself. While he acknowledges the possibilities, he emphasizes that genuine contact remains the gold standard, especially in times of grief and loss. Technology can support, but should never replace, the human element.

Self-determination and the end of life

Regarding euthanasia and advance directives he says: decisions must always be made in solidarity

be taken, with family and caregivers. The idea that self-determination is possible provides peace of mind, but according to him, a good farewell is always a shared farewell. He advocates for expanding the euthanasia law to include coma patients, but remains cautious in cases of mental suffering or abortion: "We must listen to all voices and always put humanity first."

Hope despite everything

Despite personal illness and global crises, De Wachter remains hopeful. For him, hope lies in caring for one another, in solidarity and humanity. "After the darkest times, people always rise again in solidarity. I believe that will be the case now as well."

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