The triumph of human dignity that even transforms death into hope
Introduction
Summary
Memorable Passage
Impressions
Conclusion
Introduction
If there's one thing I fear most in the world, it's the thought of my suffering becoming meaningless.
- From "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl -
"Man's Search for Meaning" is an autobiographical essay by Viktor Frankl, a philosopher and psychiatrist who epitomizes the 20th century. Frankl, a Jew, lost his parents, siblings, and wife to Nazi concentration camps during World War II and endured extreme suffering, starvation, abuse, and the constant fear of death in these camps himself. Yet, even in the worst circumstances, he did not lose hope and persevered, rediscovering the meaning of life. What's remarkable is that despite experiencing the blatant evil of humanity in the death camps, Frankl maintained a warm heart and optimistic outlook on humanity. He faced every tragic situation with optimism, ultimately finding hope. He rationalized his experiences and based on them, he developed the theory of logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy.
Summary
This book tells the stories of ordinary people who found themselves in extreme situations—tales of sacrifice, suffering, and death that all unnamed individuals had to endure. Through these ordinary people's stories, we glimpse answers to why we should live and how we should live.
The book is divided into three parts. In Part 1, "Experiences in the Concentration Camps," the author recounts the painful and harrowing experiences in the concentration camps. Despite experiencing firsthand, the narrative is presented with a dry yet warm perspective, objectively and calmly unfolding the story.
In Part 2, "Basic Concepts of Logotherapy," the author introduces logotherapy, established based on these experiences, and explains how it can be applied in real life through various examples encountered while working as a psychiatrist.
Finally, in Part 3, "Optimism in the Face of Tragedy," the author supplements the core concepts of logotherapy and discusses human will and hope in life.
This book was initially intended for publication anonymously, but just before the first edition was published, the author's name was added to the cover at the recommendation of a friend, thus becoming known to the world. The author stated that the purpose of writing this book was not for fame, but to convey to readers through concrete examples that life has potential meaning even in the most desperate situations. It emerged from a pure intention to help those in despair, and it's fortunate that it's widely read by many. It's likely that many people, when faced with various challenging situations in life, seek answers to life's questions.
Memorable Passages
"Do not aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you'll miss it. Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself. I suggest that you don't aim at success. Let it be what it is – a by-product of your dedication to a cause you believe in. Listen to the voice of your conscience, and act accordingly, and someday, somehow, true success will come. Why? Because you forgot to think about it."
"He who has a 'why' to live for can bear almost any 'how'."
"During suffering, one should be grateful for being the only person in the world who can bear it. No one else can save him from the trial or bear it for him. How he chooses to bear his burden is his unique opportunity."
"Several days after finding freedom, I walked along the country road past fields of blooming flowers to the market near the concentration camp. Birds were flying high in the sky... ... At that moment, I didn't think about myself or the world. I held only one thing in my heart, as I always had. 'I called to the Lord from my narrow prison cell, and He answered me in the freedom of open space.'
"Live as if you were living a second time, and as though you had acted wrongly the first time."
"I hope that logotherapy can contribute to the eradication of the unhealthy tendencies prevalent in American culture today. Many people in America today are suffering from what can be called 'noögenic neuroses,' characterized by the inability to make something dignified out of their suffering without feeling proud or ashamed of it. These people are not only unhappy but also ashamed of their unhappiness."
Impressions
This book has been recommended and praised in many self-help books. Viktor Frankl's ability to maintain human dignity even in the extreme environment of a Jewish concentration camp, his tragic experiences, the resilience to overcome them, and his unwavering perspective have culminated in one of the greatest self-healing books ever written.
Pain is not something that happens to us, but something that depends on how we react.
Through Frankl's intense and sober analysis, readers of this book have found solace and gained the strength to endure and overcome suffering. The notion that human dignity remains intact even in the face of extreme adversity, contingent upon one's own response, resonated deeply. Reflecting on the lives led in concentration camps, where desperate situations became routine, I felt a profound shock realizing that such atrocities were committed by fellow human beings. My previous struggles seemed trivial after reading this book; I felt empowered, as if I had gained great strength. I had previously read Dr. Lee's translation, and I was pleased to encounter this book, also translated by him. The contrast between the black cover and the bold gold lettering felt like emerging victorious from death's grasp.
"Logotherapy," a term I had never heard before, became somewhat familiar after reading this book. Logotherapy derives from the Greek word "Logos," meaning "meaning," and it is a theory associated with the "Third Viennese School" of psychotherapy. The theory focuses on human will to find meaning in life, viewing efforts to seek meaning as a primal human drive. It is not about teachings or sermons; rather, it is akin to what an ophthalmologist or optometrist does. Just as an ophthalmologist helps us see the world as it truly is, logotherapy aims to help us perceive life authentically. It emphasizes taking responsibility for one's own life and actively engaging with it, rather than relying on external sources to find meaning. The phrase "live as if you were living a second time, and as though you had acted wrongly the first time" resonates strongly, urging us to live each moment with purpose, recognizing it as an invaluable gift of time. It is a serious approach to life that minimizes regrets and maximizes fulfillment.
In "Man's Search for Meaning," Dr. Viktor Frankl, much like a beacon of resilience amidst the darkness of the Holocaust, quietly carries out his duties within the confines of the concentration camp, just as he would a solemn responsibility. It is truly remarkable and deeply appreciated that amidst the unimaginable atrocities committed by the Nazis and the collaboration of some Jews, along with the complicity of German bureaucrats like Eichmann, amidst the staggering sacrifice of six million Jewish victims, Dr. Frankl, who survived until the end, calmly communicates his experiences to us through his writings. His life, shackled in body but unbounded in spirit, is both extraordinary and admirable. Such truths are essential.
Human history may revolve, but whether Western or Eastern, gratitude and reciprocity may not differ. Moreover, even amidst the dynamics of social crowds, there exists a sense of serendipity. If someone has safeguarded one's life, as a form of gratitude, Dr. Viktor Frankl actively travels the world, lecturing on logotherapy derived from his experiences, healing others, and reflecting on the meaningful lives of numerous individuals who were able to make extreme choices. This book serves as a profound testament to those instances.
Conclusion
Author Viktor Frankl reflects on what humanity can achieve after Auschwitz and what dangers we face after Hiroshima, urging us to remain vigilant. Through the harrowing accounts of his experiences in the concentration camps, we are prompted to contemplate how we should live our lives. If someone is going through a difficult time for whatever reason, I would recommend reading this book. They may find that their perceived immense suffering suddenly feels lighter, like a feather. Even now, in some corner of the world, there are people fighting for freedom, living each day with their lives on the line. Faced with their struggles, the everyday problems I have seem trivial. Of course, pain is relative to each individual, but at least I have the freedom to choose even the smallest of my problems.
