Ibsen's voice in a modern world!

I’m not entirely sure why, but the other day, I found myself reflecting on Henrik Ibsen’s classic work An Enemy of the People. Written in 1882, this play remains a powerful and relevant commentary on our modern world. The story follows Dr. Thomas Stockmann, an idealistic physician who, in his attempt to protect public health, faces resistance from the economic and political elite of his town. When he uncovers the truth that the city’s public baths are contaminated and pose a danger to health, he quickly becomes a “people’s enemy” in his struggle against an uncomfortable reality.

Ibsen’s theme of the individual's isolation in the pursuit of truth and justice feels more pertinent now than ever. It’s easy to draw parallels between Stockmann’s struggle and the challenges we face in our own lives and professions. Many of us have probably found ourselves in situations where we have faced similar dilemmas. Standing up for what is right can feel daunting, especially when it involves questioning the norms within an organization or society. This often leads to a profound sense of isolation, where one risks being seen as an obstacle rather than a hero, despite being driven by a genuine desire to protect and improve.

But when we choose to stand for the truth, what do people hear - or want to hear? Unfortunately, many of us choose to turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths and instead live in an artificial reality where we ignore problems that could threaten our security and success. I believe this is deeply rooted in human nature. We strive for comfort and security, and it can feel easier to cling to an illusion than to confront difficult truths. The film industry is an excellent example: we pay to escape into a fantasy world where anything is possible, rather than facing our own reality.

Modern issues such as climate change, public health, and economic development mirror the problems that Ibsen highlights in his work. Voices from researchers, activists, and experts attempting to raise awareness are often ignored in an era marked by constant crises (permacrisis). The struggle to navigate a world saturated with predictions, prophecies, and uncertainties complicates our ability to prioritize and persuade. Today’s “enemies of the people” are once again those who dare to speak uncomfortable truths in a world that prefers to ignore or oversimplify complex issues.