Viktor Frankl's Immense Contribution to Psychology
Dr. Frankl survived Nazi concentration camps putting it down to the human spirit's capacity to find meaning and purpose.
Early Life
Viktor Frankl (1905–1997) was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor. His life work culminated in the development of logotherapy, a form of existential psychotherapy that emphasizes the search for meaning in life.
His experiences during the Holocaust profoundly shaped his philosophy, leading him to believe that even in the face of extreme suffering, humans possess the capacity to find meaning and purpose.
Born in Vienna in 1905, Frankl studied medicine and psychology at the University of Vienna. In his early work he focused on depression and suicide.
Just before the outbreak of World War II, when Hitler’s Germany annexed Austria in 1938, the Nazis made Frankl head of the Rothschild Hospital (a Jewish hospital in Vienna). He worked there until 1942 and was then deported to a Nazi concentration camp.
World War II
When he was sent to Auschwitz he luckily escaped death in the gas chambers. On arrival, the camp doctor, the notorious Josef Mengele, divided the incoming prisoners into two lines. The line on the left were sent to the gas chambers; those on the right were to be allowed to live for the time being.
Frankl was made to join the left-hand line but managed to change lines without being spotted.
His experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, where he witnessed the depths of human suffering, further solidified his belief in the inherent human capacity for resilience and meaning.
Frankl’s most famous work, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” details his experiences in the concentration camps and his insights into the human spirit’s ability to find meaning in the darkest of times.
His message of hope and resilience continues to resonate with readers worldwide, making him one of the most influential figures in the fields of psychology and counseling. Frankl’s teachings continue to inspire individuals to confront challenges, find purpose in life, and live our lives with great dignity and courage.
Viktor Frankl’s Teachings
The key teachings he left us with include:
The Will to Meaning
Viktor Frankl believed that the primary motivational force in humans is the will to find meaning in life. He was fond of quoting the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche when he wrote ‘He who has a why to live can bear almost any how’.
This inherent drive is what pushes us to pursue goals, engage in meaningful relationships, and contribute to the world around us.
Freedom of Will
Even in the face of extreme hardship, Frankl maintained that we always have the freedom to choose our attitudes and perspectives. This freedom of will allows us to transcend external circumstances and to find meaning both in our experiences and in reflecting on them.
Three Sources of Meaning
Frankl identified three main sources of meaning in life:
Purposeful Work or Creativity: Engaging in meaningful work, pursuing creative endeavors, and/or contributing to society through our talents and abilities will provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Love: Deep and meaningful relationships with loved ones, family, and friends can be a source of immense joy, support, and connection..
Attitude and Courage: Even in the face of the most intense suffering, we can find meaning in our courage, resilience, and in our ability to find beauty and hope amidst adversity.
Three Dimensions of the Human Spirit
Dr. Frankl believed that the human spirit had three dimensions:
Man’s Capacity for Suffering: We are capable of experiencing incredible suffering, but we also have the strength to endure and find meaning within it.
Man’s Search for Meaning: The inherent drive to find meaning is a defining characteristic of the human spirit.
Man’s Responsibility to Meaning: We have a responsibility to ourselves and to others to actively pursue meaning in our lives.
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