Imagine being sent to a concentration camp — a place that completely destroys an individual both physically and mentally with all its indignities and suffering. The psychological effect of the environment is difficult to stave off — soon the prisoner begins to believe all that is said about him. He loses his inner spiritual hold, his resistance is forsaken and soon becomes a participant of his own degradation.
How does one find a reason to live battling such circumstances?
In ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, Viktor Frankl writes about his experience as a prisoner at a concentration camp. A trained psychologist, his extreme experiences form the foundation of his theory of human suffering — logotherapy, that he discusses in the latter half of the book. His inferences are insightful and he generalises his experiences to argue that it is not pleasure or happiness that humans desire, rather it is a search for meaning in our lives that drives us. Learning about the methods he employed to preserve his sanity, one is able to fully appreciate the ideas he develops. Reading it in this day and age, the tale is certainly shocking, but is also a testament to the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
What is the meaning of life?
The author states that no matter what the external circumstances, no one can take away your freedom to choose your attitude in any situation, and it is your response in moments like this that give meaning to one’s life.
It was the story that compelled me to read this book and the experience has been most illuminating. This is by far the best book I have read and is one that is meant to be re-read till it is thumbed at the edges. For those who have resolved to read more this year, this is a book that must be read immediately — it puts everything in perspective.
— The reader is based in Abu Dhabi.
