The purpose of this paper is for me to critique and give my opinion of the book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. This inspiring book expresses Frankl's own experiences by analyzing and drawing conclusions of the events in his life during the holocaust. These life-altering experiences reveal some universal ideals that I have verified in my life and some philosophies that I have verified in my life and some concept that he portrays and I find to be true is that we all have been created on this earth for a special reason. This story is of survival and of deep meaning optimism. Through his unconditional love and faith, Frankl survived such a trial and was able to create this work of art and his psychotherapeutic method to treat man. This book has enforced and provided new and interesting and helpful ideals for me.
.
After Frankl writes of his concentration camp life he includes a section on his theory of logotherapy. I see it as an effort to rehumanize psychiatry to allow for spiritual quest and transcendence. He recognizes the need for a spiritual life. I can relate to this from a personal experience in my life. A very good friend of mine was dying of cancer and she told me that there was something missing in her life. She was in great physical shape and very smart, but she told me that she needed to get back in touch with her spiritual life. Once she was able to reconnect with her spiritual side, she dealt with her suffering and died. Frankl says that a man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "Why" for his/her existence will be able to bear almost anything. My friend understood this and was able to complete her life in peace.!.
I believe we are all patients living in a world trying to make sense of who or what we are and why we are here.