Fighting Resistance to Obvious Solutions
Historical Context
Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis noticed that maternity wards with doctors had 10% death rates while midwife wards had 4%. He theorized that doctors carrying "cadaverous particles" from autopsies were causing infections.
The Challenge They Faced
Convince the medical establishment to adopt handwashing when germ theory didn't exist yet and doctors were offended by the suggestion they were causing deaths.
What They Did
Semmelweis mandated handwashing with chlorinated lime in his ward and meticulously tracked mortality rates, which dropped dramatically from 18% to 2%.
The Outcome
Initially rejected and mocked, Semmelweis died in obscurity. However, decades later his findings were vindicated by germ theory and handwashing became standard practice, saving millions of lives.
How This Applies Today
When you discover a simple solution that challenges established practices, expect resistance. Collect data, implement where you can, and trust that evidence eventually prevails.
Key Takeaway
"Being right isn't enough—expect resistance to simple solutions that challenge ego or established practices, but document everything."