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Man's Search for Meaning
Man's Search for Meaning
Author: Viktor E. Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning is the chilling yet inspirational story of Viktor Frankl’s struggle to hold on to hope during his years as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps where he endured unspeakable horror. Frankl’s training as a psychiatrist informed every waking moment of his ordeal and allowed him a remarkable perspective on t...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780671454623
ISBN-10: 0671454625
Publication Date: 4/3/1982
Pages: 240
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 2

4.5 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Pocket
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 3
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

kickerdad avatar reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
In "Man's Search for Meaning", Dr. Frankl utilizes his experiences in Auschwitz to establish the backdrop for a brief study of his psychotherapeutic doctrine Logotherapy. Being generally aware of the content, I was originally hesitant to order the book. I had been reading upbeat material and was hesitant about reading what promised to be 'darker' material.

Once I started reading "Man's Search for Meaning" it was difficult to put down. The book is hopeful and positive. It is very well written and easy to read. Dr. Frankl does not go into in-depth detail about concentration camp life, choosing to leave that for historians and other authors, but writes about his experiences effectively to illustrate points, and every one is shared with a purpose. This is done in the first half of the book where he covers his concentration camp experience from 'registration' to release.

The second half of the book was added in later years, the primary portion is a brief summary of his logotherapy theories was added in 1963. Then a subsequent section was added in 1984 which outlined specific topics of interest relating to his approach, titled "The Case for A Tragic Optimism."

His psychotherapy model presents an alternative to the more classic Freudian and slightly less known Adlerian approaches - suggesting man's "will to meaning" is the foundation for his mental health and not his "will for pleasure" or "will for power".

Personally, I find his approach appealing to both my rational and intuitive selfs and find myself wanting to learn more about his theories. Regardless of whether you agree or not, his theories represent a more hopeful approach to human psychology. The primary question that I am left with, being a psychology graduate - why was this not required reading somewhere along the way? Great book, highly recommended.
Paul-RLT avatar reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 176 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Really 2 books in one...the first part deals with the author's experience as a Nazi concentration camp victim. The second part deals with a form of psychotherapy called "LOGO-THERAPY". All in all, a thought provoking book. Highly recommended.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A concise and readable book emphasizing the core of what it means to be human. Exceptionally worthwhile and thought provoking reading.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a man who survived Nazi concentration camps and found a way to come out of it without being demoralized. Dr. Frankl learned to put his life's work to the test by finding a way to transcend suffering and find meaning in life, even while living an intolerable existence. While living in the camps he taught others to use this mental toolbox to survive in more positive state of mind also. The theory exercised a tremendous influence on the entire field of phsychiatry and psychology.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a true story of a psychiatrist imprisoned in Auschwitz. It's difficult to read due to its painful candor, but leaves you amazed at how human beings can find beauty in life, even in the most awful situations.
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frankfooter avatar reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 2 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. I have taught and practiced the idea of not allowing your circumstance control who you are. One can not always control what happens to them, but one can control their reaction to it. Good read.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on
Great book! I recommend it to anyone.
femalebookie avatar reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 9 more book reviews
While this book can be heartwrenching at moments, I think its a must read for anyone.

Mr. Frankel's approach to his own experience is written in a non persuasive way, but rather in a more matter of factly manner. As his story unfolds, there are layers of phycological reflection that will creep up and help reflect an appreciativeness of life and freedom.

It is a quick read.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on
Excellent book. Frankl's observations and comments are worth remembering. I wasn't sure I could read another book about this awful time period, but the reading was valuable and certainly worth it.
Ronni Collmer
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 5 more book reviews
Amazing book. A must read.
grammyteach avatar reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 192 more book reviews
inspirational true story of Holocaust survival, human spirit and will
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 4 more book reviews
A must read for anyone searching for their own life meaning.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 90 more book reviews
Victor Frankel ~ the author is a survivor of the Nazi death camps. This book includes his experiences in the camps as well as his philosophy on how to endure and rise above difficult circumstances.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 102 more book reviews
Intersting story and theory of psychology. Very insightful, as the author lived his own theory. Great read for those interested in psychology or sociology.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 3 more book reviews
This is a wonderfully inspiring book! No matter what one's circumstances are, everyone has a purpose in life.
reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 344 more book reviews
Though provoking book by an Auschwitz survivor. His physiol is that lifes meaning is thru finding meaningfulness in your life, not in pleasure or fun.
imhappy4u avatar reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 20 more book reviews
A must read!
Honeygirl62 avatar reviewed Man's Search for Meaning on + 165 more book reviews
I liked this book from start to finish. It's not that long...only 149 pages. There is a preface by Gordon Allport that introduces Dr. Frankl to the reader and explains what is to come in the rest of the book. Then part one is the author's recollections from being in a concentration camp in World War II. That was the first time I have read a first-person account of experiences in a concentration camp. Then part two is the author's explanation of logotherapy. I found the whole book very easy to read and understand, not "over my head" at all. The author's style of writing is very suited for the common person. What I liked the most was that in spite of everything he went through, he still found reason to live and survive.


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