Sigrid Undset on modern individualism vs. medieval faith
The individualism that characterizes much of modern life stands in stark contrast to the communal and faith-driven existence I depicted in my historical novels. Today, the emphasis often lies on the self, its desires and its autonomy. In the Middle Ages, while individual souls were paramount, they existed within a larger, divinely ordained order. The Church provided a shared moral compass and a collective understanding of human purpose. I observe that while the outward forms of society have changed, the inner human struggle – the search for meaning, the battle against inner demons, the longing for connection – remains remarkably constant. The quest for something beyond oneself continues, though the paths taken may differ.
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