Adjustment And Summary: Man's Search For Meaning

Summary: Man’s searching for meaning is a detailed description of the life of psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl, when forced into german death camps during World War 2. Through various experiences within the brutality that he faced, Frankl explains phenomena for survival and love. In order to survive, Victor found that it was essential for people to find meaning and control even in the worst situations. As Victor saw those lose this hope and control, he saw the suffering consume people towards death. Another phenomenon expressed by Frankl in the first part of the novel is the 3 stages of adjustment. The first stage that all prisoners face is initial shock. In this phase prisoners lose their former identity and self image, they are left without clothes, belongings or even family members, they were just left with their bare body. After this initial stage of shock prisoners faced an “emotional death,” in which this horror and shock came to an end, it was instead replaced

Growing up in a Jewish community and household, I have heard many stories of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust. Although many like to focus on how overpowering the situation was, I think it is also very important to show the strength and resilience people had in these times, and Frankl definitely does this by outlining the search for meaning among many prisoners. Logically, part 2 resonates with me as really changing the way that I think. After reading about logotherapy I now know the importance of finding meaning in even the small tasks which can lead to happiness and self fulfillment. The structure and message behind this book makes it worthwhile to read. Frankl’s psychiatric background reveals another side that often goes untaught by schools, the psychological effects on the prisoners. Along with the story Frankl guides the reader to find meaning in their own life, and apply the lessons that Frankl learned from his experience.