"For each of us there is some mission in life if we but find it. All have some definite thing to do, something for which they have been created; and only the doing of this thing will justify their existence here on earth. If we come into the world and occupy space and time without giving back for this privilege, we have not justified ourselves, and our lives in the end are barren." ~ Hay

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Book Club List - Man's Search for Meaning

Please read along with me for personal growth and enrichment.  Sometimes the easiest way to learn and grow is just by reading a book.  A great book can stimulate your thinking and open up a new world.  Throughout my life, I have turned to books to teach myself something new or to learn vicariously how other people have experienced their life and faced their challenges.  I have provided a link to my current book reading list on the left side of my blog.  The books are chosen from the recommendations of others or book reviews I have come across.  Feel free to message me with your books of interest.
 Please join me in reading Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl.  One word of warning, the first half of this book is about the author’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps.  I made the mistake of reading this part before I went to bed last night and couldn’t sleep.  I would recommend reading the first part earlier in the day so you have some time to reflect and clear your head.  This is a powerful book whereby the author espouses his view (called logotherapy) that the greatest task for any person is to find the meaning in his or her life.
Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor E. Frankl





Afterword:

Extraordinary is the only word I can think of to describe Viktor E. Frankl’s book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”  Frankl espouses his view called “logotherapy” which he describes through his experiences as a concentration camp survivor.  Frankl’s unbelievable account of surviving four different concentration camps, including Auschwitz is incomprehensible.  Even though he was held captive, he was able to stay in control of his mind.   Frankl makes a very convincing argument that those who survived the camps did so because they believed there was a point to their suffering.  This point is the basis of his theory called logotheraphy which is that life is meaningful and that we must find meaning in our life (attained through work, love or suffering). When one finds what his/her true meaning is, happiness will follow. 
We all must search for meaning in our lives.  Reading this book will help you to look at your life in a new way.  **I highly recommend this book!  It is truly a gift.

No comments: