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Man's Search for Meaning: A Young Adult Edition
A young readers’ edition of the best-selling classic about the Holocaust and finding meaning in suffering, with a photo insert, a glossary of terms, a chronology of Frankl’s life, and supplementary letters and speeches
The Library of Congress called it “one of the ten most influential books in America”; the New York Times pronounced it “an enduring work of survival literature”; and O, The Oprah Magazine praised it as “one of the most significant books of the twentieth century.” Man’s Search for Meaning has long riveted readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. This new young readers’ edition brings a beloved classic to a new generation of readers, offering a universal tribute to coping with suffering and finding one’s purpose. An abridged text of the original book (emphasizing Frankl’s personal story, while omitting some material on his psychological theory of logotherapy) is presented here, along with supplemental materials that vividly bring Frankl’s story to life, and a foreword by prominent young adult author John Boyne. Man’s Search for Meaning: A Young Readers’ Edition will help readers ages twelve to eighteen grasp Frankl’s enduring lessons on perseverance and strength with clarity and depth.
The Library of Congress called it “one of the ten most influential books in America”; the New York Times pronounced it “an enduring work of survival literature”; and O, The Oprah Magazine praised it as “one of the most significant books of the twentieth century.” Man’s Search for Meaning has long riveted readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. This new young readers’ edition brings a beloved classic to a new generation of readers, offering a universal tribute to coping with suffering and finding one’s purpose. An abridged text of the original book (emphasizing Frankl’s personal story, while omitting some material on his psychological theory of logotherapy) is presented here, along with supplemental materials that vividly bring Frankl’s story to life, and a foreword by prominent young adult author John Boyne. Man’s Search for Meaning: A Young Readers’ Edition will help readers ages twelve to eighteen grasp Frankl’s enduring lessons on perseverance and strength with clarity and depth.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
1048 people are currently reading
4995 people want to read
About the author
Viktor E. Frankl
182 books8,064 followersViktor Emil Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychologist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor, who founded logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy that describes a search for a life's meaning as the central human motivational force. Logotherapy is part of existential and humanistic psychology theories.
Logotherapy was promoted as the third school of Viennese Psychotherapy, after those established by Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler.
Frankl published 39 books. The autobiographical Man's Search for Meaning, a best-selling book, is based on his experiences in various Nazi concentration camps.
Logotherapy was promoted as the third school of Viennese Psychotherapy, after those established by Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler.
Frankl published 39 books. The autobiographical Man's Search for Meaning, a best-selling book, is based on his experiences in various Nazi concentration camps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
April 22, 2024
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.
These tasks, and therefore the meaning of life, differ from man to man, and from moment to moment. Thus it is impossible to define the meaning of life in a general way. (PG 81)
Review to come— wow… this book came to me at a time when I needed it. The impact it made on me will haunt me. Mr. Frankl is wise but humble.
I dog eared like every page… I’m unashamed of myself.
It can be said that they were worthy of their sufferings; the way they bore their suffering was a genuine inner achievement. It is this spiritual freedom—which cannot be taken away—that makes life meaningful and purposeful. (PG 70)
I still don’t know the meaning of life but I feel like I have a responsibility to bear it in a courageous and dignified way.
Not a great review but I’ll be back to fix my misspellings and explain myself better.
These tasks, and therefore the meaning of life, differ from man to man, and from moment to moment. Thus it is impossible to define the meaning of life in a general way. (PG 81)
Review to come— wow… this book came to me at a time when I needed it. The impact it made on me will haunt me. Mr. Frankl is wise but humble.
I dog eared like every page… I’m unashamed of myself.
It can be said that they were worthy of their sufferings; the way they bore their suffering was a genuine inner achievement. It is this spiritual freedom—which cannot be taken away—that makes life meaningful and purposeful. (PG 70)
I still don’t know the meaning of life but I feel like I have a responsibility to bear it in a courageous and dignified way.
Not a great review but I’ll be back to fix my misspellings and explain myself better.
January 9, 2022
A very short but incredibly important book, one which I think should be compulsory reading (listening), not just for young people but all people.
The Audiobook ran only for approximately 4 hours of listening time but those four hours contained so many words of wisdom.
Victor Frankl was a Doctor before the holocaust and despite what he considered to be a less than 5% chance of survival - he did indeed survive and went on to publish several books post war. This particular one was intended to be published anonymously but he was persuaded to put his name to it. This book went on to be a best seller in multiple languages.
At some point I would very much like to read (not listen to) the book as I expect there would be many, many points I'd want to highlight. As it was I bookmarked several passages from the audiobook, some of which I've transcribed below.
On the theme of existentialism
"To live is to suffer. To survive is to find meaning in the suffering. If there is a purpose in life at all there must be a purpose in the suffering and in dying but no man can tell another what this purpose is. Each must find out for himself and must accept the responsibility that his answer prescribes. If he succeeds he will continue to grow in spite of all indignities..."
"He who has a why to live can bare with almost any how."
On the theme of Delusion of Reprieve.
"....We too clung to shreds of hope and believed to the last moment that it would not be so bad."
"...From all this we learn there are two races of men in this world, but only these two. The race of the decent man and the race of the indecent man. Both are found everywhere. They penetrate into all groups of society. No group consists entirely of decent or indecent people. In this sense no group is of pure race and therefore one occasionally found a decent fellow among the camp guards. Life in a concentration camp tore open the human soul and exposed its depths. Is it surprising that in those depths we again found only human qualities which in their very nature were a mix of good and evil. The rift dividing good from evil which goes through all human beings reaches into the lowest depths and becomes apparent even on the bottom of the abyss which is laid open by the concentration camp"
This is not the review I intended to write but I think it gives a gist of why I found it so compelling and important.
The extract from the blurb says it best
No-one has the right to do wrong, not even if wrong has been done to them
The Audiobook ran only for approximately 4 hours of listening time but those four hours contained so many words of wisdom.
Victor Frankl was a Doctor before the holocaust and despite what he considered to be a less than 5% chance of survival - he did indeed survive and went on to publish several books post war. This particular one was intended to be published anonymously but he was persuaded to put his name to it. This book went on to be a best seller in multiple languages.
At some point I would very much like to read (not listen to) the book as I expect there would be many, many points I'd want to highlight. As it was I bookmarked several passages from the audiobook, some of which I've transcribed below.
On the theme of existentialism
"To live is to suffer. To survive is to find meaning in the suffering. If there is a purpose in life at all there must be a purpose in the suffering and in dying but no man can tell another what this purpose is. Each must find out for himself and must accept the responsibility that his answer prescribes. If he succeeds he will continue to grow in spite of all indignities..."
"He who has a why to live can bare with almost any how."
On the theme of Delusion of Reprieve.
"....We too clung to shreds of hope and believed to the last moment that it would not be so bad."
"...From all this we learn there are two races of men in this world, but only these two. The race of the decent man and the race of the indecent man. Both are found everywhere. They penetrate into all groups of society. No group consists entirely of decent or indecent people. In this sense no group is of pure race and therefore one occasionally found a decent fellow among the camp guards. Life in a concentration camp tore open the human soul and exposed its depths. Is it surprising that in those depths we again found only human qualities which in their very nature were a mix of good and evil. The rift dividing good from evil which goes through all human beings reaches into the lowest depths and becomes apparent even on the bottom of the abyss which is laid open by the concentration camp"
This is not the review I intended to write but I think it gives a gist of why I found it so compelling and important.
The extract from the blurb says it best
Like Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl and Elie Wiesel's Night, Frankl's masterpiece is a timeless examination of life in the Nazi death camps. At the same time, Frankl's universal lessons for coping with suffering and finding one's purpose in life offer an unforgettable message for readers seeking solace and guidance. This young adult edition features the entirety of Frankl's Holocaust memoir and an abridged version of his writing on psychology, supplemented with photographs, a map of the concentration camps, a glossary of terms, a selection of Frankl's letters and speeches, and a timeline of his life and of important events in the Holocaust.
No-one has the right to do wrong, not even if wrong has been done to them
January 5, 2021
"Suffering is a gift. In it is hidden mercy."
The truth in the above quote by Rumi is laid bare by this book. Written by a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, who also happened to be a psychologist, the book reveals the world of pain, atrocity, brutality, suffering, patience, love, and meaning in simple, clinical, and astonishing details.
The book is not about one man's story. It's a collection of stories from his times - which the author uses as raw materials to prove an indisputable fact of life - that nothing else but your own attitude determine your chances of survival, and your quality of life.
There are stories of savage cruelty that prove the monstrosity of human life.
There are stories of courage and sacrifice that disprove the above.
And then, there are stories of hope (how the author survives the darkest night thinking of his wife, who he didn't know was long dead) and of broken hope (of a person who waits till Christmas to be freed and dies on the same day).
This book will make you cry. Will make you hate. Will make you love. And above all, will make you grateful for what you have.
To be read over and over again.
The truth in the above quote by Rumi is laid bare by this book. Written by a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, who also happened to be a psychologist, the book reveals the world of pain, atrocity, brutality, suffering, patience, love, and meaning in simple, clinical, and astonishing details.
The book is not about one man's story. It's a collection of stories from his times - which the author uses as raw materials to prove an indisputable fact of life - that nothing else but your own attitude determine your chances of survival, and your quality of life.
There are stories of savage cruelty that prove the monstrosity of human life.
There are stories of courage and sacrifice that disprove the above.
And then, there are stories of hope (how the author survives the darkest night thinking of his wife, who he didn't know was long dead) and of broken hope (of a person who waits till Christmas to be freed and dies on the same day).
This book will make you cry. Will make you hate. Will make you love. And above all, will make you grateful for what you have.
To be read over and over again.
February 1, 2021
I first read it more than a decade ago when I was passing through a rather rough phase, searching for meaning and finding it forever elusive. The title caught my attention at a second-hand book shop and seemed inviting.
The central thesis of the book stayed with me all these years but I forgot the biographical details that form the major bulk of the book.
And I never got the chance to re-read the book as somebody borrowed and never returned it.
It is interesting how at times certain events in your life become part of the book you are reading, and you can’t think of the one without remembering the other. Man’s search for meaning is one such book for me.
But other than my personal story that’s part of the book, I think it is one of the books that should be ‘chewed and digested, ‘as Bacon suggested. Of course, this can be an intensely personal opinion.
Re-reading this book after a decade not just evokes some memories but is also, in a way, a different experience. I believe, books also grow with us, creating more memories, different meanings, and increasing the repertoire of linkages, associations. As we change, the books change with us….the loyal friends that they are.
Man’s Search for Meaning- The Memoir
Man’s Search for Meaning is divided into three parts. The first section is part memoir of Victor Frankl’s time in various Nazi concentration camps, and part exploration of a prisoner’s inner world. He writes about his experiences while sharing his analysis of prisoners’ inner life, the various phases they pass through, and the defense mechanism they develop as coping strategies.
Shock, apathy, delusions of reprieve, longing for home, and disgust for all the ugliness that surround them…are the various emotions that prisoners passed through. And it was not just suffering and disgust; it was also a fight for survival. Frankl writes about how the constant concentration on the task of staying alive forced the prisoner’s life down to a most primitive level where even their dreams were about food and survival.
But in spite of the state of limbo that the prisoners were in, there were moments of beauty, humor, even cabaret. Like when the inmates were entranced by a sunset realizing “life could be this beautiful,” or when they were able to look at their lives with detachment, even humor.
While detailing the day to day struggles of the prisoners, Frankl also touches upon what helped them bear their situation.
The power of imagination that can help you transcend the confines of a concentration camp; good memories that provide a happy place where your imagination can transport you; and love, the powerful emotion that keeps you going. All these emotions can form a cushion against the harsh realities by providing meaning to life, making life worthwhile.
Logotherapy
Finding meaning in life is the basic tenet of logotherapy to which the second part of the book is devoted. The basic premise of Frankl’s argument is ‘man’s main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see meaning in his life.’
For Frankl, there are ‘three avenues to meaning. The first is creativeness ‘creating a work or doing a deed; the second is in experiencing something or encountering someone, in obtaining “fulfillment in experiencing art, beauty, and nature.” And the last one is the ‘attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.’
He brings the meaning of life to the realm of ordinary human endeavors, and here, I believe, lies Frankl’s major contribution. The meaning of life is unique for every individual. Not only the people who have towering achievements to their credit are leading a meaningful life, but people can find meaning in life also by devoting themselves to art or culture or loving someone.
Reading about finding meaning in life by encountering someone reminded me of a childhood favorite Silas Marner‘Silas Marner.’ Marner finds meaning in his when a little child, Eppie, walks into his life and becomes the focus of his love.
See, how books can build a web of linkages!
Tragic Optimism
As for the third avenue to meaning by having the right attitude toward unavoidable suffering, he talks at some length in the third part of the book. ‘Tragic Optimism’ or optimism in the face of tragedy is a postscript added in 1984.
He says optimism in the face of tragedy is possible because no matter what the circumstances are, humans retain the ultimate freedom of choosing how to act in the given situation. In the final analysis, it is ‘not what we expected from life but what life expected from us.’
Thus ultimately, life is about ‘taking the responsibility to find the right answers to its problems and fulfill the task which it constantly sets for each individual.’ This is possible because the last of human freedom, the spiritual freedom of choosing one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, remains ours. And this freedom cannot be taken away from us.
P.S While reading ‘Man’s Search for Meaning,’ I kept wondering if Frankl, while he was at Auschwitz, ever met the The Tattooist of AuschwitzTatooist of Auschwitz ?!
The central thesis of the book stayed with me all these years but I forgot the biographical details that form the major bulk of the book.
And I never got the chance to re-read the book as somebody borrowed and never returned it.
It is interesting how at times certain events in your life become part of the book you are reading, and you can’t think of the one without remembering the other. Man’s search for meaning is one such book for me.
But other than my personal story that’s part of the book, I think it is one of the books that should be ‘chewed and digested, ‘as Bacon suggested. Of course, this can be an intensely personal opinion.
Re-reading this book after a decade not just evokes some memories but is also, in a way, a different experience. I believe, books also grow with us, creating more memories, different meanings, and increasing the repertoire of linkages, associations. As we change, the books change with us….the loyal friends that they are.
Man’s Search for Meaning- The Memoir
Man’s Search for Meaning is divided into three parts. The first section is part memoir of Victor Frankl’s time in various Nazi concentration camps, and part exploration of a prisoner’s inner world. He writes about his experiences while sharing his analysis of prisoners’ inner life, the various phases they pass through, and the defense mechanism they develop as coping strategies.
Shock, apathy, delusions of reprieve, longing for home, and disgust for all the ugliness that surround them…are the various emotions that prisoners passed through. And it was not just suffering and disgust; it was also a fight for survival. Frankl writes about how the constant concentration on the task of staying alive forced the prisoner’s life down to a most primitive level where even their dreams were about food and survival.
But in spite of the state of limbo that the prisoners were in, there were moments of beauty, humor, even cabaret. Like when the inmates were entranced by a sunset realizing “life could be this beautiful,” or when they were able to look at their lives with detachment, even humor.
While detailing the day to day struggles of the prisoners, Frankl also touches upon what helped them bear their situation.
The power of imagination that can help you transcend the confines of a concentration camp; good memories that provide a happy place where your imagination can transport you; and love, the powerful emotion that keeps you going. All these emotions can form a cushion against the harsh realities by providing meaning to life, making life worthwhile.
Logotherapy
Finding meaning in life is the basic tenet of logotherapy to which the second part of the book is devoted. The basic premise of Frankl’s argument is ‘man’s main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see meaning in his life.’
For Frankl, there are ‘three avenues to meaning. The first is creativeness ‘creating a work or doing a deed; the second is in experiencing something or encountering someone, in obtaining “fulfillment in experiencing art, beauty, and nature.” And the last one is the ‘attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.’
He brings the meaning of life to the realm of ordinary human endeavors, and here, I believe, lies Frankl’s major contribution. The meaning of life is unique for every individual. Not only the people who have towering achievements to their credit are leading a meaningful life, but people can find meaning in life also by devoting themselves to art or culture or loving someone.
Reading about finding meaning in life by encountering someone reminded me of a childhood favorite Silas Marner‘Silas Marner.’ Marner finds meaning in his when a little child, Eppie, walks into his life and becomes the focus of his love.
See, how books can build a web of linkages!
Tragic Optimism
As for the third avenue to meaning by having the right attitude toward unavoidable suffering, he talks at some length in the third part of the book. ‘Tragic Optimism’ or optimism in the face of tragedy is a postscript added in 1984.
He says optimism in the face of tragedy is possible because no matter what the circumstances are, humans retain the ultimate freedom of choosing how to act in the given situation. In the final analysis, it is ‘not what we expected from life but what life expected from us.’
Thus ultimately, life is about ‘taking the responsibility to find the right answers to its problems and fulfill the task which it constantly sets for each individual.’ This is possible because the last of human freedom, the spiritual freedom of choosing one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, remains ours. And this freedom cannot be taken away from us.
P.S While reading ‘Man’s Search for Meaning,’ I kept wondering if Frankl, while he was at Auschwitz, ever met the The Tattooist of AuschwitzTatooist of Auschwitz ?!
August 24, 2022
The book does not intend to introduce a general long term meaning to one’s life, but it helps find (realize) meaning in our everyday living, even in most suffering situations.
This quote sums up the book for me:
“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.”
This quote sums up the book for me:
“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.”
November 25, 2025
Man’s search for meaning by Victor Frankl
This is an extraordinary book, written by an exceptional man: apart from his academic credentials-impeccable- Victor Frankl has been through 4 concentration camps. As a Holocaust survivor (even if I‘ve seen a French movie which pretends that we should not use holocaust, because giving this name is not right, it is the one used by the Nazis) Victor Frankl has learned a lot about the Meaning of life and the fact that having a “Meaning „is the key: in the camp, those who lost the meaning capitulated and died. Frankl quotes Nietzsche: the one who has the WHY can cope with almost any how”.
In the first part of the book, Victor Frankl describes the horrors of the camp, making differences between the good and the few bad kappos, the prisoners who helped the others and those who were cruel. As opposed to Freud, doctor Frankl believes people are not mainly driven by sexual urges, but by a “superior” motive: meaning. He also believes tension is necessary, not equilibrium devoid of meaning.
I was also surprised to learn that our body gets the minimum amount of sleep necessary and maybe I will escape a fear I had that deprived of sleep I would get anxious, nervous and be even more negative than I already tend to be. Reading this book, maybe again and again should help with my cure, bringing a Meaning back into a bit of a needing life.
We generally tend to follow others – conformism, or do what others say-totalitarianism.
The essence of human existence is Responsibility according to dr Frankl, there is even the suggestion to build a statue of Responsibility as opposed to the Statue of Liberty. Liberty can be empty of meaning.
Another surprise was to find that about 60% of those asked felt emptiness, a lack of meaning.
There are a few ways to look at the past, at young people: with regret and envy, or to go to the calendar, write a few diary notes on the day passed, with the satisfaction of fulfillment, the certitude of REALITIES in the past, LOVES loved and things accomplished.
In the book there is mention of a big danger in nihilism: there is no meaning…Live as if you are living a second time.
One can find meaning:
1) by doing a deed,
2) by experiencing; meeting someone can as valuable as achieving,
3) suffering. Find meaning in suffering-one may rise above himself
A paraplegic: “my life has meaning, I broke my neck –it did not break me”
This is an extraordinary book, written by an exceptional man: apart from his academic credentials-impeccable- Victor Frankl has been through 4 concentration camps. As a Holocaust survivor (even if I‘ve seen a French movie which pretends that we should not use holocaust, because giving this name is not right, it is the one used by the Nazis) Victor Frankl has learned a lot about the Meaning of life and the fact that having a “Meaning „is the key: in the camp, those who lost the meaning capitulated and died. Frankl quotes Nietzsche: the one who has the WHY can cope with almost any how”.
In the first part of the book, Victor Frankl describes the horrors of the camp, making differences between the good and the few bad kappos, the prisoners who helped the others and those who were cruel. As opposed to Freud, doctor Frankl believes people are not mainly driven by sexual urges, but by a “superior” motive: meaning. He also believes tension is necessary, not equilibrium devoid of meaning.
I was also surprised to learn that our body gets the minimum amount of sleep necessary and maybe I will escape a fear I had that deprived of sleep I would get anxious, nervous and be even more negative than I already tend to be. Reading this book, maybe again and again should help with my cure, bringing a Meaning back into a bit of a needing life.
We generally tend to follow others – conformism, or do what others say-totalitarianism.
The essence of human existence is Responsibility according to dr Frankl, there is even the suggestion to build a statue of Responsibility as opposed to the Statue of Liberty. Liberty can be empty of meaning.
Another surprise was to find that about 60% of those asked felt emptiness, a lack of meaning.
There are a few ways to look at the past, at young people: with regret and envy, or to go to the calendar, write a few diary notes on the day passed, with the satisfaction of fulfillment, the certitude of REALITIES in the past, LOVES loved and things accomplished.
In the book there is mention of a big danger in nihilism: there is no meaning…Live as if you are living a second time.
One can find meaning:
1) by doing a deed,
2) by experiencing; meeting someone can as valuable as achieving,
3) suffering. Find meaning in suffering-one may rise above himself
A paraplegic: “my life has meaning, I broke my neck –it did not break me”
May 13, 2019
Our class at church completed the book. It really isn’t a book designed for a class, but with some excellent facilitators we had good discussions. I have heard of Frankl and this book for years;so I was glad to read it with others for a better understanding. Since I’ve read numerous books about prisoners in Nazi camp, Frankl’s experiences were not unique, but his understanding of how he as a psychiatrist coped with them added a better understanding.
January 11, 2020
This book has become for me number 1 - as a book, which had a great impact on my thoughts and life. I have read a lot of books - as a university student as well as now. And for me “ book that changed my attitude” was rather a mystery for a long time. But now I found it and will for sure come back to it to remind myself of key points.
I would highlight the following points, which made major impact on me:
1. Humans have a freedom of choice. It does not matter what evil is done to us by others, it is a matter of what becomes of us after this experience. We decide if we turn into evil monsters and justify our deeds because of what happened to us or we will use this experience ( however painful) and turn it into “ lesson”, find a meaning in it and live past it. Everyone has his cross to bear, and we need to find a meaning to it.
Even done to us by others does not justify our own wrongdoings because of past experience.
We have a will to decide if we let this evil consume us or survive this.
2. The logo therapy by V.Frankl definitely found reasoning in me. Whatever we do, sacrifice, endure - shall have a meaning. We shall find this meaning and hold on to it. This is the outlook into the future which keeps us going. Meaning is purpose. We shall all look for meaning.
3. There is no community guilt. There is personal guilt. I guess this is true. We don’t feel shame or guilt for other wrongdoings.
4. V. Frankls says that he identifies 2 types of people : principles and unprincipled. While reading , I kept wondering - how much evil sits in people that they are capable of doing things like during WW II ( things a human can do to another human) , being given the right for it by some popular and chosen leader.
If we as humanity can’t fight our own demons, what is than to expect ?
My conclusion - whatever leader is - we shall always think first and do not follow blindly. Being human to oneself and others is the highest virtue the man can have.
Definitely recommend this book for reading.
I would highlight the following points, which made major impact on me:
1. Humans have a freedom of choice. It does not matter what evil is done to us by others, it is a matter of what becomes of us after this experience. We decide if we turn into evil monsters and justify our deeds because of what happened to us or we will use this experience ( however painful) and turn it into “ lesson”, find a meaning in it and live past it. Everyone has his cross to bear, and we need to find a meaning to it.
Even done to us by others does not justify our own wrongdoings because of past experience.
We have a will to decide if we let this evil consume us or survive this.
2. The logo therapy by V.Frankl definitely found reasoning in me. Whatever we do, sacrifice, endure - shall have a meaning. We shall find this meaning and hold on to it. This is the outlook into the future which keeps us going. Meaning is purpose. We shall all look for meaning.
3. There is no community guilt. There is personal guilt. I guess this is true. We don’t feel shame or guilt for other wrongdoings.
4. V. Frankls says that he identifies 2 types of people : principles and unprincipled. While reading , I kept wondering - how much evil sits in people that they are capable of doing things like during WW II ( things a human can do to another human) , being given the right for it by some popular and chosen leader.
If we as humanity can’t fight our own demons, what is than to expect ?
My conclusion - whatever leader is - we shall always think first and do not follow blindly. Being human to oneself and others is the highest virtue the man can have.
Definitely recommend this book for reading.
August 27, 2024
Kitabı okudum, kitabı sevdim ama yazarını daha çok sevdim. Benim kişiliğimi olumlu bir stoik olarak değerlendirebilirsiniz. Dünya görüşü bana bu kadar yakın bir yazarla hiç karşılaşmamıştım. Modern standartlarla kabul ettiğimiz bir çok şeyin temelini bundan yıllaar yıllar evvel ortaya sürmüş, zamanının oldukça ilerisinde bir yazar.
Kitap, adının hakkını veren ve gerçekten anlamlı bir yaşam için kanıtlarla işe yaradığı ortada olan yöntemler sunan bir kitap. Elbette herkese uymayacaktır ve okuyan bazıları işe yaramadığını söyleyecektir. Çünkü Viktor Frankl pizza değil ve herkesi mutlu edemez. Ama beni çok mutlu etti. Sevdiğim y̶a̶z̶a̶r̶l̶a̶r̶a̶ insanlara bir yenisini ekledim. Hem de en tepelerden.
Kitap, adının hakkını veren ve gerçekten anlamlı bir yaşam için kanıtlarla işe yaradığı ortada olan yöntemler sunan bir kitap. Elbette herkese uymayacaktır ve okuyan bazıları işe yaramadığını söyleyecektir. Çünkü Viktor Frankl pizza değil ve herkesi mutlu edemez. Ama beni çok mutlu etti. Sevdiğim y̶a̶z̶a̶r̶l̶a̶r̶a̶ insanlara bir yenisini ekledim. Hem de en tepelerden.
August 18, 2020
It's ok
Reading this book was more like reading a report based on a medical or psychological point of view which makes sense because he is a doctor. But it made it a bit of a boring read
Reading this book was more like reading a report based on a medical or psychological point of view which makes sense because he is a doctor. But it made it a bit of a boring read
May 3, 2022
A man's search for meaning gave me the lesson that no matter how low, dark and lonely it gets, finding a WHY overcoming those challenges is what keeps us moving forward in a MEANINGFUL way, in a way only I choose to confront it.
Of course we can't compare those extremely radical times with our current one; but what amazed me is that the same principles apply.
Of course we can't compare those extremely radical times with our current one; but what amazed me is that the same principles apply.
March 22, 2021
This book should be required reading for high school seniors and up. When Viktor Frankl describes life in a Nazi concentration camp and, more importantly, how he was able to survive by identifying life's meaning and his purpose, he forces readers to rethink how we choose to cope with difficulties and move forward with renewed purpose and understanding. So many great lines and thought-provoking paragraphs.
October 5, 2020
Autobiography of Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl (A survivor of the Jewish Holocaust). Frankl explains in detail the different psychological states of himself and his fellow prisoners in Nazi Concentration camps. Jewish Holocaust is one of the most terrible things mankind has ever done, which makes this one of the rarest pieces of literary work that deals with the Human psychological state in situations of extreme suffering. Most of the experiences he shares make you sick, however, Frankl's way of analyzing and breaking down how people adapt to suffering will leave a mark on you. The book taps into psychological and spiritual ways of understanding suffering and dealing with it.
My key takeaways from the books:
- If you have something to look forward to in your future, your mind is capable of dealing with any form of suffering. As the author quotes He knows the "why" for his existence and will be able to bear almost any "how".
- Suffering of any sort can never be avoided in one's life, but what we can do is find a meaning for that suffering and move forward.
There is an additional section in my edition of something called logotherapy based on Frankl's experiences and studies which is based on the premise that the primary motivational force of an individual is to find meaning in life.
I would definitely recommend reading this book if you like WW2, psychology, or spirituality related material.
My key takeaways from the books:
- If you have something to look forward to in your future, your mind is capable of dealing with any form of suffering. As the author quotes He knows the "why" for his existence and will be able to bear almost any "how".
- Suffering of any sort can never be avoided in one's life, but what we can do is find a meaning for that suffering and move forward.
There is an additional section in my edition of something called logotherapy based on Frankl's experiences and studies which is based on the premise that the primary motivational force of an individual is to find meaning in life.
I would definitely recommend reading this book if you like WW2, psychology, or spirituality related material.
February 6, 2019
Man's search for meaning by
Viktor E. Frankl 🔥🔥
How one can survive even in their worst time just in a ray of hope and for one meaning of living?
That's what the story is all about, one's survival and change one's perspective to find meaning to live by what the author calls is Logotherapy (Logos in greek means 'meaning').
It was really a fantastic read and yes, I can read this again and again, I know I haven't got all the wisdom that this gem has to share just in one time read but I have got to know many things.
I bet you won't become bored if you start reading it, and will develop an urge to re read it.
We haven't been through our worst time, there is hell outside our nutshell which is beyond our imagination and where no one wishes to go or be in the state of it ever.
All I can say is, sometimes only one strong and genuine reason is sufficient enough to live and rest you can leave it to your fate, just never lose hope in any situation, time passes so do the situation.
My two of my favorite quotes from the book is,
1) He who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How.💙
2) What you have experienced, no power on earth can take from you.💙
Viktor E. Frankl 🔥🔥
How one can survive even in their worst time just in a ray of hope and for one meaning of living?
That's what the story is all about, one's survival and change one's perspective to find meaning to live by what the author calls is Logotherapy (Logos in greek means 'meaning').
It was really a fantastic read and yes, I can read this again and again, I know I haven't got all the wisdom that this gem has to share just in one time read but I have got to know many things.
I bet you won't become bored if you start reading it, and will develop an urge to re read it.
We haven't been through our worst time, there is hell outside our nutshell which is beyond our imagination and where no one wishes to go or be in the state of it ever.
All I can say is, sometimes only one strong and genuine reason is sufficient enough to live and rest you can leave it to your fate, just never lose hope in any situation, time passes so do the situation.
My two of my favorite quotes from the book is,
1) He who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How.💙
2) What you have experienced, no power on earth can take from you.💙
August 26, 2020
This is a must-read book for anyone who wants to know what it takes to survive the worst, and what survives of the survivors. A man's personal account from the depths of the Nazi concentration camps. And since the person is a psychiatrist, he makes it easier to let us know how to train your mind for survival: Search for Meaning.
The description of logotherapy in the end, and the addresses given by Dr. Frankl wherein he discusses the futility of collective guilt and reiterates that there are good people, even among what we consider the worst of groups, and there are bad people, among those who suffer, and that makes us to look at the world with an objective eye, rather than paint everything in black and white.
The only reason I am not giving it five stars because I have recently finished Maus, which impacted me greatly, and which has reduced the horror I feel about the Holocaust by a notch. Otherwise, it is a splendid read.
The description of logotherapy in the end, and the addresses given by Dr. Frankl wherein he discusses the futility of collective guilt and reiterates that there are good people, even among what we consider the worst of groups, and there are bad people, among those who suffer, and that makes us to look at the world with an objective eye, rather than paint everything in black and white.
The only reason I am not giving it five stars because I have recently finished Maus, which impacted me greatly, and which has reduced the horror I feel about the Holocaust by a notch. Otherwise, it is a splendid read.
November 22, 2020
Great book, I especially enjoyed the second part of the book where Frankl discusses "Logotherapy in a Nutshell". A lot of profound lessons and takeaways from that part. Books like these really put things in perspective and make you appreciate the things around you. The writing was too verbose and hard to follow at times.
November 21, 2020
A mandatory read! It's not just self help, it helps in finding our ikigai, why should we live, ingrains the logo therapy philosophy in us, without our knowledge. When we think of the author, his achievement during his prime, the sufferings he had to endure in the concentration camps and the excruciating despair he had to face after the release, and how he raised himself from these ashes; I know it sounds like a cliché movie plot, but trust me there is nothing cliché in this book. The book IS NOT a narration of disastrous events, but quite the opposite - the book is full of hope and strength and life.
Though a Holocaust survivor, the author reiterates the fact that there is no collective revenge, it does not exist. He also thrusts on the point that one has the right to expect a heroic act from oneself alone! Unless you are brave enough to embrace a journey knowing how painful it might be, but for a good cause, there is nothing heroic in your suffering, but it still will have a meaning.
Lastly, but importantly, he reminds us that there are only 2 races - race of descent and indecent people, the former one being a minority.
Adding a passage from the book, which I think we can all follow
"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"
Though a Holocaust survivor, the author reiterates the fact that there is no collective revenge, it does not exist. He also thrusts on the point that one has the right to expect a heroic act from oneself alone! Unless you are brave enough to embrace a journey knowing how painful it might be, but for a good cause, there is nothing heroic in your suffering, but it still will have a meaning.
Lastly, but importantly, he reminds us that there are only 2 races - race of descent and indecent people, the former one being a minority.
Adding a passage from the book, which I think we can all follow
"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"
January 12, 2021
One of the most inspiring book I've read. Frankl offers a clinical view of life in a concentration camp, offering the readers the crude reality and thoughts of its victims, but without resolving to self pity.
Besides descriptions of his experiences, the author offers us readers a new perspective on life, which we all can adopt to live a more meaning one. As he quotes Nietzsche: He who knows WHY can bare almost any HOW.
Frankl asks us reader to take the reins of our own lives and try to create a unique meaning to our unique circumstances. Every man is unique and he/she bares to responsibility to preserve his uniqueness.
Suffering is an unavoidable part of life. But it can also have its own meaning. It can be an opportunity for us to challenge our strengths. Suffering seizes to exist once we add a meaning to it.
This book has inspired me to live a more meaningful life and embrace all the necessary challenges that comes with it!
Besides descriptions of his experiences, the author offers us readers a new perspective on life, which we all can adopt to live a more meaning one. As he quotes Nietzsche: He who knows WHY can bare almost any HOW.
Frankl asks us reader to take the reins of our own lives and try to create a unique meaning to our unique circumstances. Every man is unique and he/she bares to responsibility to preserve his uniqueness.
Suffering is an unavoidable part of life. But it can also have its own meaning. It can be an opportunity for us to challenge our strengths. Suffering seizes to exist once we add a meaning to it.
This book has inspired me to live a more meaningful life and embrace all the necessary challenges that comes with it!
June 22, 2023
I listened to this as an audiobook and didn't realize until I posted a screenshot of it to Instagram that it was the young adult edition (the only one my library had, apparently). My bad. Anyway, that may explain why the last part of the book (the logotherapy section) felt disjointed, a bit disorganized/random, sometimes redundant, but also like chunks were missing. I was interested in learning more about it from the psychological theory perspective, so I'm bummed to learn that it was drastically cut, it seems.
But, a powerful book, and jarring to hear it in audio form especially. Also inspirational (as weird as that sounds, given the horrifying subject matter). Should absolutely be required reading for all high school/college aged kids, and then again for adults when they need a reminder. I'm ashamed that I hadn't even heard of this book until a year or two ago.
But, a powerful book, and jarring to hear it in audio form especially. Also inspirational (as weird as that sounds, given the horrifying subject matter). Should absolutely be required reading for all high school/college aged kids, and then again for adults when they need a reminder. I'm ashamed that I hadn't even heard of this book until a year or two ago.
December 4, 2025
Bardzo ważna książka. Temat poszukiwania sensu życia może nie porusza mnie w obecnej sytuacji życiowej, ale jest on na pewno ponadczasowy i niezbędny dla każdego w pewnym okresie życia.
Szkoda, że to nie była moja osobista książka, bo na praktycznie każdej stronie chciałam zrobić notatki, dygresje, porozmawiać, popytać.
Naprawdę wartościowa
"człowiek musi urzeczywistnić potencjalny sens swojego życia"
"człowiek ma nieskończona ilość samookreślenia. to kim się stanie, zależy w głównej mierze od niego samego"
"sytuacja na swiecie jest fatalna, a będzie jeszcze gorsza, jeśli każdy z nas nie da z siebie wszystkiego"
Szkoda, że to nie była moja osobista książka, bo na praktycznie każdej stronie chciałam zrobić notatki, dygresje, porozmawiać, popytać.
Naprawdę wartościowa
"człowiek musi urzeczywistnić potencjalny sens swojego życia"
"człowiek ma nieskończona ilość samookreślenia. to kim się stanie, zależy w głównej mierze od niego samego"
"sytuacja na swiecie jest fatalna, a będzie jeszcze gorsza, jeśli każdy z nas nie da z siebie wszystkiego"
May 23, 2020
One of the most profound books of all times.
The Library of Congress called it one of the ten most influential books in America;
The "New York Times" pronounced it an enduring work of survival literature...
It is the rare book that I have read and finished it for the third time. It leaves deep impact in making life really meaningful and turning life genuinely purposeful. Above all, Viktor E. Frankl recognizes suffering as an essential piece not only to that of human existence but also of the meaningful life, thus, suffering contains potential meaning in life.
With utmost richness in its entirety, it's really a life-changing book in any sense...
The Library of Congress called it one of the ten most influential books in America;
The "New York Times" pronounced it an enduring work of survival literature...
It is the rare book that I have read and finished it for the third time. It leaves deep impact in making life really meaningful and turning life genuinely purposeful. Above all, Viktor E. Frankl recognizes suffering as an essential piece not only to that of human existence but also of the meaningful life, thus, suffering contains potential meaning in life.
With utmost richness in its entirety, it's really a life-changing book in any sense...
February 20, 2021
Strongly recommend, I was at a loss at the power of Frankl's powerful positive mindset throughout all the adversity he faced. I especially love his emphasis on how we uniquely control our responses to the sufferings in our life, and that our freedom has the price of responsibility attached to it - to be happy, we must have a purpose and do something with that freedom. Logotherapy is something deeply personal and something everyone should learn about and consider.
September 13, 2022
“Man does not simply exist but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become in the next moment. By the same token, every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.”
This is an inside story of a concentration camp as told by one of its survivors.
Interesting story with meaningful quotes. . .
“…no man should judge unless he asks himself in complete honesty when in a similar situation would he not have done the same.”
This is an inside story of a concentration camp as told by one of its survivors.
Interesting story with meaningful quotes. . .
“…no man should judge unless he asks himself in complete honesty when in a similar situation would he not have done the same.”
March 19, 2021
Reaffirming book
Dr. Viktor stays objective while narrating how nazi prison camps affected people. He speaks from experience when he says the meaning, the things left to do, are what drove him forward.
Exceptional clarity of thought and great insights which are easy to remember but may be hard to enact.
Dr. Viktor stays objective while narrating how nazi prison camps affected people. He speaks from experience when he says the meaning, the things left to do, are what drove him forward.
Exceptional clarity of thought and great insights which are easy to remember but may be hard to enact.
April 1, 2022
This is a short book, but one that everyone should read. It speaks about one man’s experience of the Holocaust and much of the physiological effects that he witnessed and even experienced himself. There is so much that one could learn from this book! Not only about the horrors of what one human is capable of doing to another human, but about the meaning of life. So deep on so many levels!
July 11, 2023
I had to read this book for my AP English class but let me tell you, SO GOOD! His story is truly inspirational and resonates with all age groups. If you are interested in ww2 related things, read this book. This book also gives you a look into Frankl’s theories and opinions on dealing with mental disorders. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or you’re losing motivation to do things that once brought you joy, read this book!
July 20, 2023
It is a peculiarity of man that he can only live by looking to the future.
The more one forgets himself - by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love - the more human he is.
In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.
The more one forgets himself - by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love - the more human he is.
In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.
August 24, 2024
Humans have suffering, we have no choice in much of that.
We each have a choice in how we suffer.
It is possible to suffer well.
Knowing we have purpose matters so much that it effects our will to live.
Ps. Two take aways - humor literally keeps people alive in various difficult times/seasons, and having someone to love is powerful.
We each have a choice in how we suffer.
It is possible to suffer well.
Knowing we have purpose matters so much that it effects our will to live.
Ps. Two take aways - humor literally keeps people alive in various difficult times/seasons, and having someone to love is powerful.
September 28, 2020
I loved that book , is has so much “meaning” in it.
I bought the book online and didn’t realize that I got the young adult version until I received the book , I could clearly see that much of events that happened to Viktor were removed from this books but besides this book is still so rich of experience and wisdom.
I bought the book online and didn’t realize that I got the young adult version until I received the book , I could clearly see that much of events that happened to Viktor were removed from this books but besides this book is still so rich of experience and wisdom.
May 25, 2020
Read fhis if you want to know the meaning of life and suffering. Everybody should resd this to be more grateful for what they have.
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