11 Dec Man’s Search for Meaning
Ah – Viktor Frankl – I’m in awe.
After reading his story of how he survived the Nazi concentration camps through maintaining meaning in his life, I am now reading about his work.
It’s called Logotherapy. Logos is the greek word for meaning.
Frankl says that “man’s search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life”
It makes a lot of sense.
I’m reminded of my teenage years, where I felt there was no meaning in life.
I was very depressed.
In a conversation with my mother about this sad insight, she said:
“You have to give life your own meaning.”
So true, and only now can I see the full wisdom of it.
Frankl continues:
“Man’s search for meaning may arouse inner tension rather than inner equilibrium. However, precisely such tension is an indispensable prerequisite of mental health.”
And further,
“Mental health is based on a certain degree of tension, the tension between what one has already achieved and what one still ought to accomplish, or the gap between what one is and what one should become.”
Interesting view – and again, it makes sense.
We might have a moment of happiness.
However, it doesn’t last – and if we try to make it last, it becomes dead.
If we want a flower to last forever, it has to be made of plastic – dead.
‘Happy ever-after’ only exists in fairy tales.
Having good mental health does not mean being happy all the time.
We need meaning worth striving for. Which creates tension.
We will be happier for it.
Through reading Viktor Frankl I am reminded of what gives my life meaning.
What gives your life meaning – or do you struggle to find it?
If you need help, please contact me.
It gives my life meaning to help people like you find their meaning.
Preeti