MANS SEARCH FOR MEANING BY VICTOR E. FRANKL

Frankl’s logotherapy—often summarized by his most famous quote, "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how"—is built on these core principles:

• The Will to Meaning: Frankl argues that the primary motivational force in humans is a search for meaning in life (a "will to meaning"), contrasting this with Freud’s "will to pleasure" or Nietzsche's "will to power."
• Freedom of Will and Responsibility: While we may be physically constrained by circumstances, we possess the ultimate freedom to choose our attitude and response. Humans are fundamentally responsible for how they react to their destiny.
• Meaning in Suffering: Suffering is an unavoidable part of life, but it ceases to be suffering the moment it finds a meaning. Frankl demonstrates that finding purpose despite suffering (e.g., the purpose of a sacrifice) is key to survival.
• Meaning of Life is Unique and Specific: The meaning of life differs from person to person and moment to moment. It is found not abstractly, but in concrete tasks or missions that must be fulfilled by each individual alone.

Three Ways to Discover Meaning: Frankl identifies three primary avenues through which we can discover meaning in life:

1. By creating a work or doing a deed (purposeful work).
2. By experiencing something or encountering someone (love, art, nature, relationships).
3. By the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering (courage in the face of adversity).