Man’s Search for Meaning

by Viktor Frankl, Viktor E. Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 81
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-09-06
  • Publisher: Beacon Press (MA)
  • Published: 1992-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Now in its 60th year, Man's Search for Meaning is the landmark bestseller by Viktor E. Frankl, a Viennese psychiatrist who endured unimaginable horrors in Nazi concentration camps. Through his experiences, Frankl developed logotherapy, a psychotherapeutic method grounded in the belief that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, even in the direst circumstances. This book blends science and humanism, offering a compelling introduction to one of the most significant psychological movements of our time. Frankl's narrative goes beyond recounting historical atrocities; it explores the psychological resilience that enabled prisoners to survive by connecting to a purpose in life. His theory posits that meaning can be found through completing tasks, caring for others, or facing suffering with dignity. Man's Search for Meaning remains influential worldwide, having sold over 10 million copies and been translated into 24 languages, and continues to inspire readers with its message of hope and perseverance.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
inspiring 4.50

The book is a profound exploration of finding meaning in suffering, blending the author's experiences in concentration camps with psychological insights. It offers a powerful perspective on resilience and the human spirit.

Man's Search for Meaning is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book that delves into the author's harrowing experiences in concentration camps and his subsequent psychological analysis. The book provides a unique perspective on how individuals can find meaning and purpose even in the most dire circumstances. The author's personal narrative is both harrowing and inspiring, offering readers a glimpse into the depths of human suffering and the resilience of the human spirit. The psychological insights provided are equally compelling, offering a framework for understanding and coping with trauma. Overall, the book is a powerful testament to the human capacity for hope and meaning in the face of adversity.

Quick quotes

    The quote that resonated most was 'Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.

    Another powerful quote is 'When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

    The book also highlights that 'Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.

benjaminmcevoy.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
inspiring 4.50

Man's Search for Meaning is a profound and inspiring memoir that explores the author's experiences in Nazi concentration camps and his development of logotherapy. The book offers valuable insights into the human psyche and the search for meaning in life, making it a timeless and essential read.

Man's Search for Meaning is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book that delves into the author's harrowing experiences during the Holocaust. Viktor Frankl's account of his time in concentration camps is both harrowing and enlightening, offering a unique perspective on the human condition. The book's exploration of logotherapy, a form of existential analysis, provides valuable insights into the search for meaning in life. Frankl's experiences and the lessons he learned are timeless and relevant, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, or personal growth. The book's impact is profound, and its message is one that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Quick quotes

    The quote that stood out to me the most was: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.

    Another powerful quote is: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

    Finally, "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
profound 4.50

The reviewer found 'Man’s Search for Meaning' by Viktor E Frankl to be a powerful and thought-provoking book. They appreciated Frankl's insights into finding meaning in suffering and his development of logotherapy, which offers wisdom relevant to everyone.

The reviewer chose 'Man’s Search for Meaning' for a reading challenge and was immediately drawn to it. They found Frankl's experiences in Auschwitz both harrowing and compelling, highlighting his observations on human resilience and the importance of finding meaning in suffering. The reviewer particularly resonated with Frankl's idea that even in extreme conditions, one can choose their attitude and find purpose. They also appreciated how Frankl's theories apply to everyday life, helping people find meaning in their struggles. The book left a strong impression on the reviewer, who highly recommends it for its profound insights and relevance to modern life.

Quick quotes

    No man should judge unless he asks himself in absolute honesty whether in a similar situation he might not have done the same.

    The reviewer found Frankl's account of his time in the camp both harrowing and compelling.

    The reviewer believes this is a very powerful book that we should all read and which will give much food for thought.

theeaves.org.uk · Unknown · 2024-09-23
insightful 4.50

The book is divided into two sections, the first detailing Viktor Frankl's harrowing experiences in Nazi camps and the psychological impact on prisoners, while the second part introduces his theory of logotherapy, which focuses on finding meaning in life. The reviewer found the book insightful and encouraging, highlighting the power of the human mind to find hope in stressful situations.

The reviewer has been eager to read 'Man’s Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl and was glad to finally have the opportunity this summer. The book is split into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's experiences in Auschwitz and other Nazi camps, offering a unique perspective as a psychiatrist. He describes not only the physical suffering but also the psychological impact on prisoners. Frankl observed that those who had a purpose or future goal were more likely to survive, embodying Nietzsche’s words, 'He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how'. The second part of the book introduces Frankl’s theory of logotherapy, which emphasizes finding meaning in life rather than pursuing pleasure. The reviewer found the book deeply insightful and encouraging, learning about the human capacity to transform hopeless situations into hopeful ones through the power of the mind.

Quick quotes

    In some ways, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.

    The book is divided into two sections, the first being based on the experiences that Viktor Frankl himself was exposed to in Auschwitz and other Nazi camps.

    Frankl noticed that the men with no purpose, aim, or sense in life saw no point in carrying on, and soon lost their fight to live.

Appears in Lists