Upon hearing a recent podcast, I was intrigued by a book under discussion titled, “Man’s Search for Meaning” written by Viktor E. Frankl. This memoir is an international best seller. It is from the poignant perspective of Frankl, himself, who had spent much time in the concentration camps during WWll.
If Frankl could portray an uplifting imagery of life even amidst the concentration camp, and give purpose in his future life, I wanted to read his story.
To further understand the workings of this thought-provoking book, you may read on the backside in which the words say, “Viktor E. Frankl’s, Man’s Search for Meaning is a classic work of the Holocaust literature that has riveted generations of readers…Frankl’s masterpiece is a timeless examination of life in the Nazi death camps.”
Frankl offers universal lessons for coping with suffering. Frankl also gives many valuable teaching and learning tools, many of which had never before come to my mind.
I learned from Frankl that we all have a responsibility to our own lives. If we have something to take care of or someone to care for—there is meaning. Also, something to look forward to. He made reference to two men who, in the concentration camp, were contemplating suicide. One of these men had an unfinished project to complete, which only he could do, and he longed to have the opportunity to finish it.
Another man thought of his child, whom he wanted desperately to raise and love. After much thought these two men disengaged from their desires to end their lives because they realized they had someone or something waiting for them once they were free. These examples of the two men give us understanding and meaning into our own lives and lead us to ponder, “What am I to live for? Who or what needs my attention?” Then, part of our purpose in life is revealed.
In his book, Frankl quotes the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche’s words, ‘He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how,’
Furthermore, Frankl says, “Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual…those tasks…differ from man to man and from moment to moment.”
Anyone can benefit from reading this powerful book. It will definitely make you reevaluate your own life and how you are handling your challenges. It will greatly help you respect and admire those who endured the Holocaust.
There is always purpose for us and always meaning towards our destiny. Read this book with the young readers in your family and discuss it together. Or, read on your own. It is filled with lovely words to live by.
