What can you learn from Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl?

Man’s Search for Meaning serves as a testament to the ability to rise from suffering, even in the most brutal circumstances. A true literary classic, the book has sold over 10 million copies internationally and has also been translated into 24 different languages.

Viktor Frankl was born in 1905 in Vienna. Before World War II, he was a successful psychiatrist with a private practice. After Austria’s annexation to Nazi Germany, Victor was forced to close his practice due to being Jewish.

Viktor lost his mother and father in concentration camps such as Dachau, and in 1945, he was taken to the camp Auschwitz. It was there that he formulated the idea of man’s ability to rise up and survive through the greatest trials.

Later, the basis of his practice revolved around helping patients find meaning in their lives. For Viktor Frankl, this was the ultimate goal.

Let’s move on to a book summary of the bestseller Man’s Search for Meaning.

What is Man’s Search for Meaning about?

Viktor Frankl deeply observed that those who survived in concentration camps were those who had meaning in their lives.

It was this meaning that fueled their will to live through even the darkest circumstances.

Reflecting upon himself and his own life, he explored his own will to survive despite living under hopeless circumstances. Before Austria’s annexation to Germany, Frankl was a successful psychiatrist who was compared to the likes of Sigmund Freud.

With everything being taken away from him, Frankl sets out to understand the driving force of human survival. Frankl argues that every human being has a fundamental need to know the meaning of life and discover their true purpose. He notices this even in concentration camp prisoners and holocaust survivors.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part describes camp life and Frankl’s experiences. He observes the behavior of his fellow prisoners. The second part outlines his philosophical and psychological approach to finding meaning in life, which he calls logotherapy.

The vital lessons you can learn from Man’s Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl intended his book to not just be read as a story, but to help those who read it to find meaning in their own way. Many of the life lessons are reflected in other empowering philosophies like those of Nietzsche. Below are the vital lessons from Man’s Search for Meaning to help boost your well-being, and live a meaningful life.

We control how we react to suffering

Viktor Frankl learned during his time in the concentration camps that he could choose his attitude and response to the pain and suffering. Every person has the ability to choose how they respond to the circumstances they face in life. This is one of our biggest human freedoms. Frankl beautifully sums it up:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

You can bear almost anything as long as you have a reason to live

Frankl believed that having a sense of purpose and meaning in life could help individuals withstand even the most extreme hardships. This outlook is similar to Nietzsche’s words, “He, who has a why to live for, can bear with almost any how.”

Accept the things you can’t control

Frankl learned that there were many things in the concentration camps that he could not control, such as the cruelty of the guards or the fate of his family members. Many of his fellow prisoners could not control the threat of the gas chambers for example. Acceptance of these circumstances was key to maintaining his mental and emotional well-being.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

How we act displays our true character

Frankl saw that the most compassionate and generous individuals in the camps were those who were able to maintain their humanity even in the face of extreme suffering.

You can resist the influence of your environment

Individuals have the power to resist the negative influences of their environment and to choose their own path in life. Even in the dehumanizing conditions of the concentration camps, he saw that individuals could find ways to preserve their dignity and resist the forces of evil.

Humor changes your outlook on life

Humor can be a powerful tool for coping with difficult circumstances. He saw how humor could help individuals maintain a positive outlook on life, even in the face of extreme suffering.

Learn from Man’s Search for Meaning on Speechify Audiobooks

You can also listen to Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl on Speechify. With high-quality narration, customizable speed, highlighting, and note-taking, you can listen to this-20th century classic while you’re going about your day.

With over 60,000 titles on in Speechify’s audiobook library, you can find even more inspiring books to listen to for hours on end.

FAQ

What are the three lessons on the meaning of life according to Frankl?

According to Viktor Frankl, we can create meaning in three ways: taking action or creating something for the world, connecting with others in meaningful ways, and choosing an approach to unavoidable suffering.

Why should everyone read Man’s Search for Meaning?

Man’s Search for Meaning is a must-read because it provides valuable insights on the search for meaning and purpose in life, based on Viktor Frankl’s personal experiences, and can help readers find meaning even in difficult circumstances.

What is the search for meaning and purpose?

Every person has a basic need to find meaning and purpose in their life. This means finding what is truly important to us and giving direction to our actions. The search for meaning and purpose is what motivates us to keep going and can help us overcome challenges.

What did Viktor Frankl go through in the concentration camp?

During World War II, in Nazi concentration camps, Frankl endured extreme suffering, including hard labor, hunger, illness, and the loss of his family.

Why is this book important?

Man’s Search for Meaning is a significant book that highlights the importance of mental health, the search for meaning, and human kindness to help you discover your purpose in life.

What is logotherapy?

Logotherapy, according to Viktor Frankl, is a psychotherapy that focuses on the search for meaning and addresses mental health issues that result from an “existential vacuum.” The takeaway is that meaning can be found in any circumstance. You can transcend your circumstances as the byproduct.