Man's Search for Meaning

By: Viktor E. Frankl

Narrated by: Theo Solomon

As relevant today as it was when it was first published, Man’s Search for Meaning is a book for finding strength and purpose in times of great despair.

“This is a book I reread a lot … it gives me hope … it gives me a sense of strength.”—Anderson Cooper, Anderson Cooper 360/CNN

Viktor E. Frankl was a medical doctor at a psychiatric hospital in 1942 when he became a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps in World War II. In 1946, he published this book about his camp experiences and a method of psychotherapy he developed. Forty-five years later, it was still named one of the most influential books in the United States.

Part One describes his three years in four Nazi concentration camps, which took the lives of his wife, father, mother, and brother. He closely observed inmates’ reactions to their situation, as well as how survivors came to terms with their liberation.

Part Two, introducing logotherapy, is an academic discussion of the psychological reactions experienced by all inmates to one degree or another. It solidified Frankl’s early theory that humanity’s primary motivational force is finding meaning in one’s life.

In Germany, titled Ein Psychologe erlebt das Konzentrationslager, or A Psychologist Experiences the Concentration Camp, its title in the first English translation was From Death-Camp to Existentialism. As of 2022, this book has sold 16 million copies and been published in 52 languages.

©1959 , 1962, 1984, 1992, 2006 by Viktor E. Frankl (P)2024 Blackstone Publishing

Critic reviews

“An enduring work of survival literature.”

(New York Times)

"[Man’s Search for Meaning] might well be prescribed for everyone who would understand our time.”

(Journal of Individual Psychology)

"An inspiring document of an amazing man who was able to garner some good from an experience so abysmally bad…Highly recommended.”

(Library Journal)

“One of the great books of our time.”

(Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People)

“One of the most inspirational books ever written. What is the meaning of life? What do you have when you think you have nothing? Amazing and heartbreaking stories. This is a book that should be in everyone’s library.”

(Jimmy Fallon, award–winning actor, comedian, and television host)

Purposeful

This was a way better piece than I expected. It is based on writings and experiences from a phycologist during the consideration camps, and what he learned about human behavior and grit through finding purpose. It was really insightful and the way the audiobook is put together the listen is engaging. the narrator did a fantastic job, and I would listen to it again

Reaffirmed and strengthened my convictions

Reaffirmed and strengthened my convictions that my search for meaning, my ultimate purpose for my own life, is paramount over what any other philosophy, religion or study tells me is or should be my purpose.

Short and impactful

In a very short and digestible way, Viktor conveys intricate ideas on human psychology and the meaning of ones life. One of the best books I have ever read.

Sincerity and honesty

I’m 24 and have been searching for the meaning of my life and my suffering for as long as I can remember. Until I listened to this book I felt as though I’d be an old man before I ever had a grasp on my purpose. I can honestly say that this book has single handily helped me understand what this whole existence is about.

What stood out to me via my stoic beliefs.

What stood out to me most in Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning is his unwavering assertion that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, we retain the freedom to choose our response. That aligns deeply with my Stoic belief in personal agency—circumstances don’t define us, our choices do. Frankl’s call to live responsibly, to find meaning not in comfort but in contribution, echoes my own view: life demands something from us. And it’s on us to answer that call with courage, clarity, and purpose.”