Hey guys. Just created this new reddit account. I intend to make posts on books i’ve finished, and summarize what I interpreted from said book. And hopefully create discussions, insights, opinions from others who’ve also read the same book.
Man’s Search For Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl
My interpretation:
No matter the conditions and external circumstances, you can keep independence of mind. Everything can be stripped of you but your attitude and judgment of the situation. You’ll always have a spiritual freedom of choice, of the thoughts you wish to have.
Even through the harshest of misery, you can achieve inner triumph and reach spiritual heights. Spiritual heights that wouldn’t be accessible without said suffering.
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Having a concept of the future, such as a goal, or a beloved will console you through tough times. That contemplation will be your salvation to suffering. It’ll give your suffering meaning.
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To see beauty in the small things, in the littlest of mercies. To see the art in life, and appreciate the little rests between the chaos. To make most out of whats going right.
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To accept your unique task. Each man has their destiny, their own problems. You must answer these problems and take responsibility. Nobody can relieve you or take your spot. You must carry out your unique task that life sent you. If it is your unique task to suffer, then be worthy of that suffering. Don’t suffer for nothing.
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Finding meaning in life through:
1. Work or a deed (creating)
2. Experiencing something or encountering someone (love)
3. Your attitude to unavoidable suffering.
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For those of you who have read this book, what did you get out of it? What did you think about it and how has it helped you personally?
by La_Aventura
1 Comment
I wish that this book was required reading in high school general education. It is clear and concise and relatively short which is a great intro to a lot of more complex philosophical topics