Man’s Search for Meaning

by Viktor Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning cover
Good Books rating 4.67
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
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.

julias-books.com · Unknown · 2020-03-12
intriguing 4.70

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust through the eyes of a psychologist and survivor. The reviewer is intrigued by Frankl's analytical approach to his experiences and his ability to maintain hope and purpose even in the most dire conditions. The book stands out for its focus on the psychological impact of the Holocaust and the small torments endured by prisoners.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound and unique account of the Holocaust, written by a survivor who was also a psychologist. The reviewer finds Frankl's analytical perspective on his experiences particularly compelling. Unlike other Holocaust memoirs, Frankl dissects each incident from a psychological standpoint, offering insights into the mental and emotional struggles of prisoners. The reviewer is struck by Frankl's ability to maintain hope and purpose even in the most unbearable conditions, such as envisioning his wife and focusing on his desire to rewrite a lost manuscript. The book's focus on the psychological impact of the Holocaust, rather than just the horrors, makes it stand out. The reviewer also notes the surprising reactions of prisoners upon liberation, who did not immediately feel joy but rather a sense of disbelief and exhaustion.

Quick quotes

    This tale is not concerned with the great horrors, which have already been described often enough(though less often believed), but with the multitude of small torments. In other words, it will try to anwer this question: How was everyday life in a concentration camp reflected in the mind of the average prisoner?

    At that moment I saw the plain truth and did what marked the culminating point of the first phase of my psychological reaction: I struck out my whole former life…

    Suddenly there was a silence and into the night a violin sang a desperately sad tango, an unusual tune not spoiled by frequent playing. The violin wept and a part of me wept with it, for on that same day someone had a twenty-fourth birthday.

thebookxpert.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2019-04-21
haunting 5.00

The reviewer found 'Man’s Search for Meaning' to be one of the best and most haunting books they've ever read. They were deeply moved by Viktor Frankl's experiences in a Nazi concentration camp and his theory that finding meaning in suffering helps one cope with dire situations. The book's philosophical insights on purpose and meaning have left a lasting impression on the reviewer.

The reviewer considers 'Man’s Search for Meaning' one of the most impactful books they've read. The first part of the book, detailing Frankl's experiences in a concentration camp, is described as horrific and melancholic, providing profound insights into human resilience. The reviewer was particularly struck by Frankl's theory that finding meaning in suffering is key to coping with extreme adversity. The second part of the book, which introduces logotherapy, emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in life. The reviewer has read the book twice and finds Frankl's philosophical rhetoric deeply moving. They highly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Man’s search for meaning is one of the best & most haunting books, I’ve ever read.

    It’s short - about 150 pages, it’s absolutely horrific, melancholic and sends chills down your spine.

    Man’s search for meaning might be my favorite book.

Appears in Lists