Table of ContentsIntroductionThe Main SectionConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionViktor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning, is a highly influential work on the psychoanalysis of man modern era. As a former Auschwitz prisoner and esteemed psychoanalyst, Frankl explores the concept of existential emptiness, 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 toward suffering. Love, according to Frankl, is essential for survival. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe main partIn Man's Quest for Meaning, Viktor Frankl shares his views on how individuals can make facing suffering and surviving, drawing on his personal experiences as a Nazi concentration camp inmate. He introduces the concept of existential emptiness, which refers to the mental state of individuals who have lost the meaning of life. The inability to find purpose creates a feeling of inner emptiness. Frankl develops his theory of logotherapy, which is based on three pillars: freedom of will, the will to meaning and the meaning of life (Batthyany n.pag.). He interprets the Greek word “logos” to mean not just “word,” but “meaning.” Therefore, his psychoanalytic theory focuses on the research and processing of ideas and meaning. Critics argue that the search for meaning is indicative of mental illness. However, Frankl argues that existential emptiness is the result of losing hope for a better future. He states, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can endure almost any ‘how’” (Frankl 104). Unlike Freud, who viewed 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 disease that was already prevalent in his time and which has now become a pandemic can be considered a prophetic fulfillment (Krasko n.pag.). It can therefore be concluded that 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, “In the end, a man should not ask himself what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is being asked” (Frankl 108). This idea is at the heart of his book, emphasizing that to survive and resist environmental pressures, individuals must change their attitude toward life. Our attitude determines our position and we must 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.). According to Frankl, courage plays an important role in accepting our destiny. He states that tears are not a sign of weakness but rather a proof of the courage to endure suffering (Frankl 80). Suffering offers individuals the opportunity to become stronger and more courageous. This tests their moral strength and resilience. Frankl emphasizes that moral fiber is more vital to survival than physical strength. Frail and sensitive individuals often suffered more in concentration camps, while physically stronger inmates were able to mentally rehabilitate after their release. Frankl also highlights the importance of humor as a coping mechanism, 2021.