"The worst enemy of truth and freedom in our society is the compact majority"

Henrik Ibsen's quote speaks with the power of the majority in society and how it can be a detriment to fact and liberty. He recommends that the bulk, or the collective viewpoint of the bulk, can be overbearing and can stifle the reality and liberty of individuals. This is because the bulk can be swayed by popular opinion and can be quickly manipulated by those in power. This can lead to a scenario where the truth is distorted and liberty is limited. The quote is a cautioning to be knowledgeable about the power of the majority and to be watchful in safeguarding reality and freedom. It is a pointer that the majority should not be allowed to determine what is true and what is totally free, and that individuals should be permitted to express their own viewpoints and beliefs without worry of retribution.