Man's Search for Meaning

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 Viktor E. Frankl (P)2024 Blackstone Publishing

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.

Amazing!!!

One of the best books I have heard. A must have in your life. It sures makes yu see life a different way

Impactful

I’m going to need some time to think about all this book presents, but I think it’s a powerful insight into how we find our own meaning in life. Well worth the read and I’ll probably reread it in the future.

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

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.