Man's Search for Meaning

Man's Search for Meaning

1946 • 240 pages

Ratings559

Average rating4.3

15

I feel bad rating a holocaust book, 3 stars. How dare I. But I'd like to be honest.

The first half of the book is about the author's experiences in the concentration camp. If you have read at least 2 or 3 other holocaust literature, there is nothing new. It is short and to the point.

The second part focuses on Logotherapy. Which essentially is a psychiatric tool, which asks patients to find meaning in life for a more fulfilling existence - which could be by 1) doing something 2)experiencing something/ meeting someone 3)unavoidable suffering.
The third point seems like it was forced to be with the other two, and doesn't feel like it belongs there.

One other reason why I rated this 3, is because of the clash between this books ideas and my opinion. I don't think there's a meaning. The whole thing is random. And this meaning is only something we attribute. Can someone capable of thinking, actually fool themselves with this? I envy people who can find make meaning, where there isn't any. Of course in a concentration camp, one is only trying to survive the day, and prayers and meaning fulfilment would work. Is it same for the mundane life the majority of us lead though?

January 2, 2023