Man’s Search for Meaning provided me with profound meaning. It was written by a German Jew who, through luck, survived the Nazi concentration camps. Soon after the war, it became a bestseller, translated into many languages. While recounting his experiences in the camps, the book focuses not on the circumstances but on the mindset of those who survived. He later developed Logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy based on the lessons he learned about mindset in the camps.
The book begins with his arrival at Auschwitz. He describes how they were separated into groups and subgroups. When his subgroup was reduced to about 20% of its original size, he asked where the others, including his wife and friends, had gone. His fellow prisoners pointed to the smoke towers. He didn’t initially understand. To compound the trauma, his group was stripped of all clothing and possessions. The guards took their valuables and gave them scraps of clothing from those who had just been sent to the gas chambers. They were then completely shaved. After delousing, they were sent to freezing cold outdoor showers, completely naked. Many smiled and even laughed when actual water came out, rather than the usual alternative. This is the first of many examples in the book illustrating how it was possible to find happiness in such bleak situations. It also highlighted the tragic reality of what brought happiness to those suffering.
The book details the horrors of the camps. While I thought I understood the extent of their cruelty due to the killings, I had no idea how inhumanely the prisoners who weren’t killed were treated. I didn’t think such cruelty was possible, and I wondered how they avoided taking their own lives.
This leads to the book’s main focus: the mindset necessary for survival in such suffering. One must find meaning in life, no matter how bleak it seems. A quote from Nietzsche summarizes this theme: “He who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How.” The author focuses on two main themes for these “Whys”:
- A higher purpose in life.
- Love.
While some people change the world with their achievements, Frankl states, and I agree, “Love is the ultimate and the highest goal to which man can aspire,” and “The salvation of man is through love and in love.” Love is why I believe we are here—to give and receive love.
When you believe you still have a purpose, to give love, caring, and compassion to others, you have a reason to live. Frankl mentions prisoners who had nothing to live for. They would literally give up, lie down, and not move until they died. It is sad but understandable. Those who focused on the meaning of their lives fought and found some happiness in the camps. They were the most likely to survive. Many focused on their wives, children, or work they needed to accomplish if they were released. Some simply focused on caring for fellow prisoners.
This was a great read and a must for anyone facing incarceration or significant struggles. The past few years have been difficult, not knowing how long I would be imprisoned. I wish I had read this book sooner. I barely made it through some hard times, and I am glad I did because now I see the light at the end of this tunnel. In less than a year, I can return to my normal life, full of love and meaning.
5 out of 5 stars.
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