Reflections on “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl
At the intersection of fate and free will, there lies the opportunity to give in to base instincts or rise above them, find/create meaning, or slowly wither away and stay in the present or rely on memories of the past. It was fate that Viktor Frankl was placed in the concentration camps of WWII, but it was free will and meaning that allowed him to survive it. This is intended to serve as a personal, thoughtful reflection on the book 'Man's Search for Meaning' written by Viktor Frankl (Frankl, 2014).
In the first section of the book, Dr. Frankl describes the behaviors, environment, and feelings of living through the concentration camps. The interactions between the prisoners and the wardens bring human behavior to the forefront. While prison environments have been studied before, Dr. Frankl's objective observations of the concentration camp are intended for future educational purposes. Reflecting on these events gave me feelings of disgust, horror, but also insight. I appreciate Dr. Frankl's efforts to remain as unbiased and objective as possible, focusing on events that could be learned from. It's clear that the task of objectively documenting what was happening gave meaning to Dr. Frankl and was crucial to his survival. He describes his internal battles as well as objective observations of the other prisoners and the SS officers. With purpose and meaning intact, Dr. Frankl was able to endure starvation, constant hunger, physical and mental abuse, extremely challenging laborious activities with little to no break, little to no sleep, disease/infections, the sheer cold and unforgiving environment, the constant fear of death, hopelessness, dread, and pain all in a seemingly endless period of time. If Hell itself could be described, this would surpass it. It almost does not make sense how the body and mind were able to endure this state for such an extended amount of time and with no end in sight.
Dr. Frankl observed that he and the other prisoners developed a morbid curiosity about cause and effect. He noticed that when a prisoner gave up on life, their physical condition deteriorated rapidly, and they eventually passed away. These individuals stopped responding to the harsh treatment from the guards and simply let go. This shift in mindset often signaled the approach of death.
The thought of "why end things early when death is most likely right around the corner anyway" lingers for the few that survived. They find themselves adhering to the questions of how and why. Dr. Frankl found meaning for his survival and helped others do the same. He observed the internal mental escapes and analyzed their pros and cons. Dr. Frankl noticed that focusing too much on the past would lead to feelings of hopelessness and meaninglessness. He learned to stay present and observant, finding beauty even in challenging situations. This resonates with me because it's easy to miss things in the present moment, and staying present allows gratitude to manifest.
Initial thoughts from Dr. Frankl on the success of his book led him to the conclusion that existential concerns are not exclusive to those who have experienced life in a concentration camp. At one point in my own life, I grappled with the meaning of life and its associated symptoms. Addiction, escapism, and settling into a routine were my coping mechanisms as I hoped for change. Fortunately, things did turn around for me, and I am grateful for that, as the existential dread I experienced led to the lowest emotions I ever intended to feel in this lifetime. However, it was a long process to rediscover meaning in my life. This book has provided me with much to consider in my personal life and my role as a counselor. I can foresee revisiting this book to gain further insight into different situations in the future. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Dr. Frankl offers a unique perspective on the human experience from the viewpoint of a prisoner during one of the most challenging periods in human history, and it deserves to be honored as such. I would encourage everyone to read this book and reflect on its impact on their own lives and the lives of others.
References
Frankl, V. E. (Viktor E. (2014). Man’s search for meaning (H. Pisano & I. Lasch, Trans.). Beacon Press.
