Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning: a Psychoanalytic Perspective

Introduction

Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning, is a highly influential work on the psychoanalysis of the modern era. As a former Auschwitz prisoner and esteemed psychoanalyst, Frankl explores the concept of the existential vacuum, which is the loss of hope for a better future. He argues that despite extreme external conditions, individuals have the power to choose their attitude towards suffering. Love, according to Frankl, is essential for survival.

The Main Part

In Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl shares his views on how individuals can cope with suffering and survive, drawing from his personal experiences as a Nazi concentration camp inmate. He introduces the concept of the existential vacuum, which refers to the mental state of individuals who have lost the meaning of life. The inability to find purpose creates a sense of inner emptiness. Frankl develops his theory of logotherapy, which is based on three pillars: freedom of will, will to meaning, and meaning in life (Batthyany n.pag.). He interprets the Greek word "logos" as meaning not just "word," but "meaning." Therefore, his psychoanalytic theory focuses on the search for and treatment with ideas and meaning.

Critics argue that the search for meaning is indicative of mental illness. However, Frankl contends that the existential vacuum is a result of losing hope for a better future. He asserts, "Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'" (Frankl 104). In contrast to Freud, who considered the search for meaning as a sign of illness, Frankl suggests that it is through this search that individuals can overcome mental illness. His identification of the societal sickness that was already prevalent in his time, and has now become pandemic, can be considered a prophetic accomplishment (Krasko n.pag.). Therefore, it can be concluded that the loss of meaning in life leads to mental illness. However, critics argue that the search for meaning actually leads to neurosis. Frankl argues that it is through reasoning and the search for meaning that individuals can find the path to survival. He states, "Ultimately, a man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked" (Frankl 108). This idea is central to his book, emphasizing that to survive and withstand environmental pressures, individuals must change their attitude towards life. Our attitude determines our stance, and we should not be limited by our expectations. Happiness and success are not simply feelings of satisfaction or joy, but rather the result of hard work and perseverance (Popova n.pag.).

Courage plays a significant role in accepting our fate, according to Frankl. He states that tears are not a sign of weakness but rather evidence of the courage to endure suffering (Frankl 80). Suffering provides an opportunity for individuals to become stronger and braver. It tests their moral strength and resilience. Frankl emphasizes that moral fiber is more vital for survival than physical strength. Fragile and sensitive individuals often suffered more in concentration camps, while physically stronger inmates were able to rehabilitate mentally after liberation.

Frankl also highlights the importance of humor as a coping mechanism during times of suffering. He claims that humor helped him and his fellow inmates survive in the concentration camp. By finding humor in their situation, they were able to delay their suffering. Frankl reveals that during his time in the camp, the image of his wife gave him the strength to endure. Love became the key to withstanding life's obstacles.

The book Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl is an intriguing work on psychoanalysis. Although his ideas have faced criticism from many psychoanalysts, they are undeniably worthy of analysis. Frankl's personal experience in Auschwitz led him on a search for meaning, which he found in helping others find their own purpose (Frankl 100). Despite the immense suffering he endured, Frankl maintained his optimism. His experience serves as a testament to human dignity and courage. According to Frankl, while we cannot change our circumstances, we can change our attitude towards them and, in doing so, survive (Gordon Allport qtd. in "Man Search for Meaning" n.pag.).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning, presents ideas that deserve special attention. They reflect his life experiences and wisdom, pointing towards the path to happiness and success. The book explores how individuals can survive and maintain their humanity in the face of adversity. Frankl's work serves as a reminder that while external conditions may be beyond our control, our attitude towards them is within our power.

Works Cited

Batthyany, Alexander. "What is Logotherapy and Existential Analysis?". Viktorfrankl.org. n.d.

Frankl, Viktor Emil. Man's Search for Meaning, Boston: Beacon Press, 2006.

Krasko, Vasily. "Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning: An Existential Analysis." Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 191, 2015, pp. 2010-2015.

Popova, Maria. "Viktor Frankl on the Human Search for Meaning." Brain Pickings, 2013.

"Man's Search for Meaning." Goodreads, 2021.