Why do we see ourselves in animals?

Explore the fascinating psychological and philosophical reasons why humans see themselves reflected in animals, and what this tells us about our relationship with nature.

"Living with and especially observing animals, I’ve learned so much about life itself. Not the societal kind of life, but the raw essence that escapes words."

Lévy P.L. Matricon

In this deeply reflective and interdisciplinary conversation, Lévy P.L. Matricon, PhD Student in Clinical Psychology at VU Amsterdam with a background in Evolutionary Biology, Biochemistry, and Psychology, shares insights from his research project: “Animals in the Lens: Why Do We See Ourselves in Animals?” conducted under supervision of Dr. Prof. Karline R. L. Janmaat.

His goal is not only to investigate human cognition but to translate interdisciplinary insights into concrete clinical solutions—reconnecting people with the natural world for the benefit of both. Passionate about nature in all its forms, Lévy combines observational insight with advanced data analysis to explore the complex environmental matrix that shapes our cognition, behavior, and capacity for empathy.

In his MSc research at ARTIS Royal Zoo, Lévy analyzed how visitors spoke in front of animals. Surprisingly—or not—anthropomorphic speech was more frequent than even positive speech, and far less influenced by personality than by genetic proximity to humans. What if anthropomorphism isn't a flaw, but a core cognitive feature—perhaps even one shared by other advanced species?

Key Themes Explored:

• What anthropomorphism reveals about the architecture of the human mind.
• The ethical and scientific implications of seeing ourselves in animals.
• The role of AI in mapping perception and projection.
• Inherited cognitive templates—cultural, evolutionary, spiritual.
• Spirituality in animal encounters: deep awareness or poetic illusion?
• Reframing how we see "the Other"—across species and humanity.