Man’s Search for Meaning

The power of the mind is infinite.

We are creators of our lives. Every decision we make today can and does effect tomorrow. We choose how we feel. We choose how we react to circumstances.

“We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed. For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one’s predicament into a human achievement.” (Viktor Frankl).

Frankl was a world renowned psychiatrist who was incarcerated in the Nazi concentration camps and not only lived to tell the tale, but survived with a fierce passion for the power of his mind and how that alone kept him free throughout the entire length of his imprisonment. The limitless power of a person’s will to survive at all costs is exemplified in “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Frankl.

Frankl’s story has inspired countless lives, including my own. He has taught me that no matter how difficult, how dire one’s situation may seem at any given moment the capacity of the human spirit to endure, to persevere is an endless oceanic wonderment. The only limits in any aspect of our lives are set by us and us alone. We may think that others shut doors for us, lock them and throw keys away, but there is always a window, there is always a loose nail in the hinge, there is always another way.

If one man can endure, can keep his sanity, his will to live and continue forth in life after witnesses some of the most horrific tragedies known to man and history, we are thus shown that we all can endure. We all can emerge from any trauma stronger, wiser, empowered; more alive than ever before.

Do not ever forget: A coal with enough weather, time, heat and pressure, eventually emerges as the rare immaculate, piercing diamond.

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13 Comments

  1. Joe Poniatowski
    Posted January 19, 2008 at 7:57 am

    Very inspiring informative review.

  2. Ruby Hawk
    Posted January 19, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    He is my hero too,My dearest friend’s grandparents and numerous relatives were murdered by the naxi’s. Anyone who lived through that hell is my hero.

  3. Judy Sheldon-Walker
    Posted January 19, 2008 at 3:03 pm

    Good choice for a book review. He is a living testimony to the resourcefulness and resiliency of man.

  4. Dee Huff
    Posted January 19, 2008 at 4:14 pm

    What an amazing person he must have been. I’m going to try and get a copy of this book.

  5. Lucy Lockett
    Posted January 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    Thank you for this review, I may have to hunt this one down.

  6. miriam ramirez
    Posted January 19, 2008 at 6:17 pm

    Well written. I appreciate the choice in book. He too, is my hero. Frankly, anyone who has overcome adversary is my hero.
    Thank you,

    miriam

  7. cherrycher
    Posted January 20, 2008 at 12:01 am

    I agree with the rest – a well written review.
    Thanks for the recommendation!

    -cc

  8. Francie
    Posted January 20, 2008 at 12:24 am

    Another wonderful book commemorating the strong and resilent ones that escaped with their lives. Great book to recommend, great article!

  9. Anne Lyken-Garner
    Posted January 20, 2008 at 3:34 am

    Very well tackled.Good job

  10. CHAN LEE PENG
    Posted January 20, 2008 at 10:46 am

    Very inspiring book! Good job, Liane! Take care!

  11. beauley, Lucien
    Posted January 20, 2008 at 2:09 pm

    Very good article and research. It took a lot off courage just to survive the Nazi’s. I like your analogy of coal and diamond.

  12. Gail Nobles
    Posted January 20, 2008 at 9:06 pm

    Great article!

  13. Posted October 11, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    Powerful and true. Great article!

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