The Magic Mountain of Davos: A Time Journey into the World of Elites and Modernity

The small Alpine town of Davos is now inextricably linked with the gathering of the global elite at the annual World Economic Forum. Here, leaders come together to discuss ambitious programs in health and education and to explore topics like the "fourth industrial revolution" or cultured meat. Despite these noble intentions, the event is overshadowed by the specters of autocracies and conflicts of the 21st century, which call into question the guiding theme of "improving the state of the world." A hundred years ago, Davos served as the setting for a literary masterpiece: Thomas Mann's novel "The Magic Mountain," published in November 1924, still resonates today. The story, heavily influenced by the social tensions of the pre- and post-war years, appears strikingly relevant in its clarity as today's Europe grapples with handling conflicts in Ukraine and tensions with Russia. The novel casts a particular view on modern society, embodied by the Berghof sanatorium, where protagonist Hans Castorp, a young engineer from Hamburg, suffers from a dubious tuberculosis diagnosis and delves deeply into the intellectual and ideological debates of the early 20th century. Hans' experiences reflect the intellectual and cultural tone of the time, influenced by Hegel, Marx, Weber, and Freud. Mann boldly intertwines his own bisexual identity with the narrative of Hans' infatuation with Madame Chauchat, recalling his early crush on his schoolmate Pribislav Hippe. These fleeting attractions, along with the gathering of various European temperaments, serve as the backdrop for a comedy of manners that confronts the reader with sly stereotypes and clever caricatures. Mann's original approach to creating a cheerful contemplation of the differences in European mentalities gradually became tinged as the looming war cast its shadows. The conflicts between rationalism and extremist temptations run through the plot, embodying the struggle for post-Enlightenment democracy and mirroring today's political challenges. The intense duels of the characters, both literal and intellectual, capture the tension between traditional reason and radical ideologies, a theme reflected in the geopolitical dynamics of our present. Artistically portrayed, Mann's critique of the incompatibility of consensus and compromise endures to this day. Thus, Mann's "The Magic Mountain" ends with a fateful farewell to its protagonist as he enters the trenches of Europe: an uncertain fate for an uncertain future. A century later, in the echoes of the ghosts of the Magic Mountain, we recognize our own selves.