Man's Search for Meaning
By Viktor E. Frankl & William J. Winslade
- Release Date: 2000-03-30
- Genre: Psychology
Description
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir has riveted generations of readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Between 1942 and 1945 Frankl labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. Based on his own experience and the experiences of others he treated later in his practice, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl's theory-known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos ("meaning")-holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.
At the time of Frankl's death in 1997, Man's Search for Meaning had sold more than 10 million copies in twenty-four languages. A 1991 reader survey for the Library of Congress that asked readers to name a "book that made a difference in your life" found Man's Search for Meaning among the ten most influential books in America.
Reviews
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5By GriffchickThis book is so transcendent. It applies across time and all types of struggle because it addresses each human’s greatest challenges: to determine the meaning of life and live faithfully to that meaning. I greatly appreciate his willingness to place this responsibility on each individual’s shoulders and his profound reminder that no one can truly take your freedom if you exercise spiritual freedom. We can always make choices, even when it is simply how we will react or respond to circumstances we can’t control.So Powerful
5By sean from nycI couldn’t put this book down. Highly recommend.Who is this book even for
2By Kejkebrj^Purpose in Being
5By Richard Bakare“Man’s Search for Meaning” is one of the most cited works I come across in all my reading. When you see a work referenced so much you go straight to the source for a deeper understanding. After sitting with it for some time, I came away realizing this should be mandatory reading. It’s truth telling and enlightened perspective is so needed today. Viktor Frankl’s style is succinct and unapologetically candid. The book’s brevity is balanced by its profound & timeless wisdom born out of extreme suffering. His painful retelling of concentration camp survival guides us through unimaginable evils with a tone that almost pities the reader. Frankl’s experience is a bitter pill to take but it offers equal parts hope. Frankl also proves prophetic in his observations on American life and its bastardized outlook on the meaning of life. It makes sense then that Frankl is so often cited. Any work that explores the 20th century human condition or later would be wise to gleam from Frankl’s astute analysis of man’s search for meaning. Especially in the face of the escalation of horrors enacted on one another in the present age. I came away thinking that hope, meaning, purpose are all found in the maintaining of even the tiniest shard of agency over one’s self. Be it perspective, dignity, or more actionable things.One of the great books for a reason
5By Coach HobbsI do not agree with many of the author’s conclusions, BUT this is one of the great books written because of the efficient way in which some of the most horrific accounts of all time are described and how they were transcended.Not your average history book
5By 254@easyThis is an incredible story.A Transformational Book
5By coop3878Some of my closest friends and I all started reading this book, mainly after our respective breakups or a loss of hope and meaning. This book played an essential role in equipping us with the knowledge to understand our feelings and head towards a brighter future.Wonderful Read!
5By Anna DaikyBeautifully written book, in way and meaning.10/10
5By jamm1222This book is amazing, it’s definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read and it’s now my favorite. It really gets you to reflect on life and the inevitable trials that it comes with, and how it is through those challenges that you can find meaning in each moment you’re given depending on the attitude that you choose to have towards them. I also love when he said that the transitoriness of life creates the very challenge for us to do our best everyday — to live life actively not passively. This is a book I’d recommend to everyone I know!Meaning
5By bhen08This book ordered the chaos in my mind and soul. It was the perfect union of understanding the heart ache and trauma in my life. I took a more nihilistic approach, but this book gave me a path to overcoming and looking at my present pain as an opportunity, a way to prove that it wasn’t for nothing.My review
5By holdmybeer123This book truly hits the soul, they don’t call it one of the greats for no reason.Better every time
5By Ashleigh645This book is a wonderful contribution to humanity. Should be required reading in schools.Great read
5By jayufs578On of the best books I’ve read!Good not great
3By hg415Some interesting, compelling ideas but not my favorite book of all timeWow..
5By readingisgood4lyfeA must read for anyone struggling with depression and anxiety do to a lack of a “North Star”.. life has meaning if you chose to give it meaning. So many great techniques in this book that I plan to practice.A must
5By Building my cupIncredible read. Strongly recommend it.A Permanent Place on My Bookshelf
5By Michael & JenniferIt’s hard to believe that after nearly a decade of being a psychotherapist this is my first time reading this book. And this is a book that I will not only personally read year-over-year however, one that I will encourage nearly all of my clients to read. For me, there was never a question about if there was value in my life, there was however, a question of how to go about finding that value. This book, its explanations and through Viktor’s experiences one can easily come to the conclusion about what needs to be done to find value in life and in the present moment. Please, pick up this book and read it. For all that you know, this book may literally help change your life.Felt like I was talking to an old friend
5By Morenom_kWe all have struggles and challenges but it’s in the way we see our struggles and challenges do we see what the author was taking about. Great readOne of the best
5By vbercBooks I’ve ever read. It’s a must-read if you believe there’s more to your life.
