“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how”
Friedrich Nietzsche
Recently, I read Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”, after it was referenced in other books and podcasts to which I listened. It felt like a sign that there was something important I needed to learn.
The book describes Frankl’s personal experiences and survival in unimaginable conditions. He managed to endure extreme hardships by thinking of his wife and holding onto hope that he could one day share his experiences and observations. He observed that those who lost faith in the future also lost their spirit and physically and mentally declined.
One moment in the book describes how he realized his purpose and his life’s meaning. Frankl, whilst working in the freezing cold and limping from the sores on his feet, couldn’t help but think about his immediate basic comforts. Could he exchange a cigarette for a bowl of soup? Or a sausage for some bread? Could he replace his broken shoelace? He suddenly felt unhappy with himself for focusing on such small concerns. Instead, he envisioned himself in a warm, comfortable room, giving a lecture on the psychology of the concentration camps. This helped him see his current situation as past history and become detached from his current situation.
Frankl’s overall message was that our attitude towards suffering can transform our lives.
Reflecting on my own life, I wondered how I could apply Frankl’s ideas to my daily challenges. How can I turn these into meaningful experiences?
My biggest takeaway is this: we may not control our situations, but we can decide how we respond and take responsibility for our choices.
This book was an interesting and quick read. I finished it in just 3 days. I will pick it up again as a refresher.
I’m a Project Manager with a deep passion for both professional and personal growth. Designing and building the next generation of vehicles is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges—especially for someone as emotionally invested as I am!