Man's Search for Meaning

[b: Man's Search for Meaning] was a devastatingly powerful read. Frankl is a genius, and the strength and sheer humanity he demonstrates throughout the text is astounding. The intertwining of Logotherapy and memoir was very enjoyable and effective. Straightforward prose, brilliant style. My biggest takeaway from this was book was the importance of intentional existence, of purposeful living. I genuinely believe this book has brought me to be more conscious of my presence, of my motivations. I honestly believe I would have enjoyed this book even more if it was not for school. Regardless, I would recommend this book in a heartbeat. I imagine many of the more gruesome aspects will stick with me for a while. Frankl demonstrates a most powerful kind, his ability to keep his sanity, his brilliance and soul throughout his experience at Auschwitz's is awe inspiring.

Dostoevski said once, “There is only one thing I dread: not to be worthy of my sufferings.” These words frequently came to my mind after I became acquainted with those martyrs whose behavior in camp, whose suffering and death, bore witness to the fact that the last inner freedom cannot be lost. It can be said that they were worthy of the 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.

—[a: Viktor E. Frankl]