The book is a powerful account of Viktor Frankl's experiences during the Holocaust and his development of logotherapy, which focuses on finding meaning in suffering. The reviewer, who has struggled with mental health, found the book deeply inspiring and helpful in changing their perspective on life's challenges.
This book is a profound exploration of Viktor Frankl's experiences as a Jew during the Holocaust and his subsequent development of logotherapy. The first part of the book recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences in concentration camps, drawing parallels between his suffering and that of individuals with mental health issues. The reviewer, who has personally struggled with mental health, found Frankl's insights particularly resonant. Frankl's concept of suffering as relative and his emphasis on finding meaning in life, even in the direst conditions, provided the reviewer with a new perspective on their own struggles. The second part of the book introduces logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy that focuses on future life goals rather than past traumas. The reviewer found practical applications of logotherapy, such as 'paradoxical intention,' to be highly effective in managing their own mental health. Overall, the book is a life-changing read that offers valuable insights into finding meaning and resilience in the face of adversity.
Quick quotes
A man’s suffering is similar to the behaviour of gas. If a certain quantity of gas is pumped into an empty chamber, it will fill the chamber completely and evenly, no matter how big the chamber. Thus, suffering completely fills the human soul and conscious mind, no matter whether the suffering is great or little. Therefore the “size” of human suffering is absolutely relative.
emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it.
he who has a _why_ to live for can bear almost any _how_.