A Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

The book is written by Dr. Viktor Frankl a Psychiatrist's devastatingly suffering in a concentration camp. During World War II, the Nazis kidnapped and imprisoned the author and sent him to a concentration camp. The author structured the book into 2 components, the first of which details life at the camp and the second of which forms the base of logotherapy. In a short, part one is about hardship, while part two is about how he survived till freedom. In the book, the author discusses giving purpose to life, a reason to look forward to, and a goal to achieve, that encourages him and his other inmates to keep going despite the inhumane treatment.

Strengths

When a person is placed in a horrible and heinous scenario such as a Nazi concentration camp, one behaves differently depending on their views and set of beliefs. Some become wretch, while others become saints, as detailed in his book. Some people preserve their core moral ideals and die "heroically" protecting others, while others devolve into beasts and commit heinous acts. Some people find no purpose in life and give up, sitting, whilst others, like Frankl, find meaning despite their suffering and decide to write a book about it. Frankl learns from his horrifying experience in a concentration camp that humans can tolerate any pain as long as it is meaningful.

Weaknesses:

Although I may not completely agree with his concepts, or maybe I do not properly understand them, I do believe that this book will change your perspective and make your troubles appear insignificant. Also, if you're looking for some very insightful, meaningful, perspective-changing, and true-life words, here is the place to go. However, I believe that it is difficult for young people, such as myself, to properly understand and appreciate this book and the author's views.

Opinion:

Ultimately, the book is a worthwhile read; the reader will understand the significance of having a purpose and meaning in life. It would not, unfortunately, provide a strategy for discovering meaning; rather, it will describe why meaning is necessary and how this changes throughout life. I wish you a pleasant reading experience. :)

Ten quick questions to find out more

Q1: How long did it take you to read the book?

3 - 4 weeks

Q2: What made you choose to read this book?

Was recommended/ talked about in a podcast I liked.

Q3: In which country does the story take place?

Germany.

Q4: Who is the main character / characters?

Viktor Frankl

Q5: Who is your favourite character in the book? Explain why.

While the book does not have a "main character," the opening portion of the book does highlight Dr. Viktor Frankl's life, notably when he speaks of love and losing his wife.

Q6: Is it a happy or sad book? Explain why.

Although the book touches on heavy and dark subjects, the book is intended to do the opposite for the reader; Frankl's hopeful message and facing up to our duties in taking the right actions to establish a fulfilling life for ourselves, rather than passively watching whatever occurs and feeling sorry for ourselves and not moving forward.

Q7: What kind of person would enjoy reading this book?

I think anyone who enjoys reading nonfiction would enjoy this book.

Q8: Where did you get this book from?

Kinokuniya book store.

Q9: What did you learn from this book?

Wouldn't change anything.

Q10: What would you change about the story?

Hardship is not required for a fulfilled life, but it is also not an obstacle.