Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl

writing: @peterr.cho

Nietzsche once said “every man who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Aside from the ingenious methodology of paradoxical intention established within logotherapy (derived from the greek word, logos), Frankl takes full account of the dynamic psychological atmosphere during his time at Auschwitz relative to the amount of time spent there. Basing his testimony off the aforementioned quote, Frankl makes a profound discovery in regards to the human condition. It can be reduced as such: “Our generation is realistic, for we have come to know man as he really is. After all, man is that being who invented the gas chambers of Auschwitz; however, he is also that being who entered those gas chambers upright, with the Lord’s Prayer and the Shema Yisrael on his lips.”

However, it would certainly be a mistake for one to read this novel expecting a thorough account of history in the perspective of someone who had survived the concentration camps. Rather, and on a psychoanalytic basis, it should be read with the intent to connect, solidify, and deepen one’s knowledge and experiences relative to what they are truly striving for in a life that may seem mundane.

Man’s Search for Meaning describes those who pave their destiny and their way of life from the advent of nihilism and authoritarian regime. Reading the book, I could personally not be more reminded of Thus Spake Zarathustra, and Genealogy of Morals, as Nietzsche warns the world of the threat of nihilism within their lives. “Because God has died in the 19th century, the 20th century will be the bloodiest in history.” (Nietzsche) With the absence of a feeling of meaning in life, the feeling of ‘thrownness’ (as Heidegger puts it), or the feeling of absurdity in one’s existence may be overwhelming.

However, in those situations, Frankl reminds the reader to find meaning in life despite the reality anyone faces, to be the ones who choose and pave their own destiny. The reduction of his philosophy (aside from the categorical imperative of logotherapy), it can be articulated by this quote:

“Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.” 

For these reason, Man’s Search for Meaning fully deserves 5 stars

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