Man's Search For Meaning Analysis

In Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl, a Jewish psychiatrist, reflects on his experiences in a German concentration camp during the Holocaust. In the book, Frankl shows how one might find hope in light of adversity and meaning despite despair. In Man's Search for Meaning, one can find a response to the problem of evil in the world, and embrace the Jesuitical ideal of vocation Frankl organizes a prisoner's experience in a concentration camp into three separate phases of mental reactions, "The period following his admission; the period when he is well entrenched in camp routine; and the period following his release and liberation" (Frankl 26). Admission into camp life is accompanied by shock. This phase is characterized by severe depression
If God is all powerful and all good, then why is there evil in the world? Why did the holocaust happen if God cares for his people? Why are women treated unequally if we are all made in God's image? Why do some still starve to death because of their inability to buy food? Why does racism exist? Viktor Frankl in Man's Search for Meaning offers an answer to those struggling with these questions. Frankl explains that all else can be taken away from a Holocaust victim except his ability to respond positively in a situation (87). Though his career, fortune, and family might be ripped from his hands, he can still turn suffering and hardship into something beautiful and meaningful. Victor explains "Even though lack of sleep, insufficient food and various mental stresses may suggest that the inmates were bound to act in certain ways...it becomes clear that the sort of person a prisoner became was the result of an inner decision" (87). Those experiencing hardship around the world today can still choose to respond positively and create a life worth living and fighting for. In fact, suffering helps one to grow. Frankl says, "The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity-even under the most difficult circumstances-to add a deeper meaning to his life"(88). Suffering allows one to add this "deeper meaning to his life". If they choose to, one can become stronger and deeper through their hardship. Frankl quotes Fyodor Dostoevski saying, "There is only one thing that I dread: not to be worthy of my sufferings" (87). How one responds to inequality and disparity in the world, determines if he/she is worthy of suffering. One might choose to respond morally and with a goodness inherent to the human condition, or act grievously. Those struggling with inequality can find meaning in their