Man's Search for Meaning

Frankl was very fortunate throughout his years in the concentration camps. How much of his survival was blind luck and how much resulted from his determination and the choices he made?

Frankl sees three major sources of meaning in life: love, achievement, and dignity despite suffering.  Which was most important in keeping Frankl himself alive and sane?

Frankl speaks often of his love for his wife. What does he have to say about her being alive or dead? Do you agree that she is still a source of meaning for him, even after her death?

Frankl makes several important choices that influence his survival. Which do you consider his most important choice and why?

Frankl says that the prisoners did not feel happiness when they were liberated. Why weren’t they immediately happy upon being freed?

Frankl describes three major schools of psychotherapy: one based on the pursuit of pleasure, one based on the quest for power, and one based on the search for meaning. Which of the three approaches do you find most convincing and why?

Frankl discusses a case study in which a man merely needs to change his job to give his life meaning. How common do you find this in the world today? Is productive work enough to give a life true meaning?

Frankl designates exceptionally good or decent people as saints and says that they are always in the minority.  Do you believe that most people are essentially lacking in decency?