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Book review: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

13 December 2021 •

By: Alandri Reviews

Viktor, a former neurologist and psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, wrote about his experience in the concentration camps during World War 2. While this book describes the heart breaking atrocities, it speaks volumes about the meaning of life, hope and that us humans can overcome a lot more than we think.  

As Frankl tells us, "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.”

What attracted you to this book?

I had heard references to this book by various people, but made an effort to read it as it came up in a coaching session. I think Nicci from Metta365 also referred to it in the Practice the Pause series. It was written in 1946 and is still on the top 40 best books to read today.

What is the basic storyline?

Viktor Frankl was an Autrian Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist who survived the Nazi concentration camps during World War II. His experience and observation of human behaviour during this time contributed to his belief that the primary motivation of an individual is their search for meaning in life.

What were some highlights?

This book is not a light read as it chronicles all the atrocities he experienced and his observation of the worst kind of human behaviour. But it also shows how we as humans can overcome anything if we approach our circumstances with the right attitude. This is the only thing totally within our control. There are also countless examples of incredible acts of integrity and bravery from people who have nothing but that left to offer.

What insights have you gained?

Hope is extremely powerful and impossible to take away from someone, even if you control every other aspect of their life.

Who do you think should read this book?

Anyone and everyone. It will make you feel all the human emotions that exist within you.

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13 December 2021
By: Alandri
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