Review of Mans Search for Meaning

Man 's Search for Meaning

The meaning of life could be found in the most unexpected situations This kind of idea holds true in Viktor Frankl 's book entitled Man 's Search for Meaning . In this book , he narrated his experiences inside a concentration camp during the Nazi regime . The main plot of the book revolves around three incidents : initial reactions and observations after entering the camp , experiences as they get accustomed with camp routine and the life after being incarcerated

Being a psychologist , Frankl utilized different psychological phases In the

early parts , he put emphasis on the first psychological phase which is shock . He points out how most of the prisoners reacted to the new environment that they are in . They experienced delusion of reprieved , a state of mind wherein one hold to the idea of clemency Most of the prisoners are dying either because of the lethal gas chamber or due to the inhumane condition but they believe that they could still be saved . However , when reality sink in suicide became the solution of most prisoners

Apathy as the second psychological phase becomes evident when the prisoners got used with the continuous torture . They had to numb themselves so they could survive the torture . The third event which is their liberation from prison is greatly connected with this second phase . Life after being incarcerated has been difficult because they perceived freedom as an impossible dream . The strong feeling of apathy makes it difficult for them to feel any elation in being liberated These prisoners have to retraced the steps of what its like to live a normal life

The second part of the book is Frankl 's explanation of his theory called Logotheraphy . Logotheraphy is a psychological technique that aids people in searching meaning for their life . An individual must find ones ' meaning by putting into consideration his /her needs and desires The meaning of life could be found in three ways : by accomplishing a deed , by experiencing something or meeting someone , and by ones attitude towards suffering . Among the three he puts utmost emphasis on the third one which is seen in the last part of his book . The final part is about The Case of Tragical Optimism . This evolves around the belief that an individual should have a positive outlook in life . It is by being optimistic amidst sufferings that the true meaning of life is seen

The various assertions that Viktor Frankl discussed as well as the importance of this book as a whole evoked different opinions and realization on my part . I agree to some of his assumptions and even saw its importance to the idea of servant leadership . However , there are some aspects of his arguments that are vague and contradict the characteristics of a servant leader

The will to meaning is the main argument that Frankl presented in his book . He asserts that the true essence of life could only be achieved if an individual has something to live for . I find...