Man's Search for Meaning [B1217]

2006 PB reprint/translation of the 1946 German-language original, in nice clean condition. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir has riveted generations of readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Between 1942 and 1945 Frankl labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. Based on his own experience and the experiences of others he treated later in his practice, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl's theory-known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos ("meaning")-holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful. At the time of Frankl's death in 1997, Man's Search for Meaning had sold more than 10 million copies in twenty-four languages. A 1991 reader survey for the Library of Congress that asked readers to name a "book that made a difference in your life" found Man's Search for Meaning among the ten most influential books in America.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Wow. One of my favorite books so far. The experiences of a prisoner of war accentuate the individual's inner struggle with his search for meaning. When suffering is the norm, how can life be meaningful? Why would someone want to live? Frankl explains that one can find meaning even in suffering, because meaning is found in the way that the individual responds and endures the suffering. Incredible book. Puts life into perspective and stimulates a feeling of gratitude in the reader as well as an inspiration to strive for a meaningful life. Without meaning, life can't be. Create something, work on something, love others, and be loved."; "I started to read this book right after my mother passed away suddenly and I had lost all interest in life and this book helped me a lot to survive my grief and see something beyond the pain."; "Wow! Interesting book. Deep, sad, profound and poignant. If you're looking for meaning to your life, it's a must read! Well written, not a big book but chock full!"