A Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl – Reviewed by yours truly.

This book as been mentioned in varies ways and from multiple people over the years. I had been hesitant to read it because I knew it shared stories of the concentration camps and I wasn’t ready to know more about the evils that men are capable of. Knowing this was a book I needed to read at some point in my life, I decided now is the time. I am glad I did.

From the very beginning of the book wisdom is dropped hard.

Don’t aim at success-the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success; you have to let it happen by not caring about it. I want you to listen to what your conscience commands you to do and go on to carry it out to the best of your knowledge. Then you will live to see that in the long run – in the long run, I say! – success will follow you precisely  because you had forgotten to think of it.” (preface)

This statement really resonated with me, especially as I am taking the risk of having my own coaching business, deciding to believe in myself enough instead of working under the comfort of another business. As my goal is to help people heal their souls, deeply love themselves and those around them, and the end result making the world a better place because of the increase in love going around. I know that if I focus on serving, success like happiness, is already there.

I did appreciate that Viktor did not go into extreme detail of the events in the camp, just enough info to provide an understanding of the cruelty that existed in their daily life.

Enough for us to understand what man can live through, the stages he is likely to experience, and how important it is for people to know their meaning in life. Even if the meaning is to live through suffering as their best self.

Suffering does not take away meaning to life. And life often offers suffering. Though some suffering is unavoidable and others, people choose to stay in or to leave. This automatically reminded me of those who stay in jobs or relationships that cause suffering, because that situation is not unavoidable suffering such as those who where taken to the concentration camps or children born in cruel families. If the suffering is avoidable, why not avoid it?

There are so many takeaways in this book. I think each person who reads it will resonate with some sort of message they can apply to their life. And look at suffering as a time to grow, not give up hope.

The Two Races of Men

With all that is going on in the world, I wanted to share another quote from the book that speaks so much truth:

There are two races of men in this world – the “race” of the decent man and the “race” of the indecent man. Both found everywhere; they penetrate into all groups of society. (pg. 86)

I think this is important to remember when we are tempted to condemn an entire group. That even if you encounter an indecent man…. there are decent men in that group as well. In some situations, they may be few, however, it is likely they are there. And vise-versa.

Logotherapy

Because of the work I do, I especially enjoyed reading about Viktor’s logotherapy and the importance of finding the meaning in someones life. As I read through the second half of the book, I found myself wondering if this book lead to a lot of other books and theory’s out there in the helping professionals and self-help world. This books if filled with such wisdom and love for people.

He discusses three ways we can find meaning in life. One – the things we do, deeds done. Two – choosing to love. Three – go through suffering with courage and dignity. He dives deeper into each way during the second part of the book and provides examples sprinkled throughout the first half of the book of these ways in action.

As you all know, I am a huge advocate for choosing love. And see profound value in the actions we take and the way we choose to handle the suffering life offers.

I would recommend this book, especially to those who are wondering about how your mindset and attitude can aid in the survival of difficult situations.

How we use our minds can dictate if we live or die. If we love or hate. How we see the world. The perception of ourselves and those in our life.

I encourage you to use your mind to enhance your life, not to hold you back or steal your hope.

And to remember, you are enough, you are valuable, you are worth all the good the world offers, and you are strong enough to make it through the hard times with your head up.

 

Purchase Man’s Search for Meaning

 

And have a brilliant day filled with gratitude.

Much Love,

Steph