While a student at a Jesuit University, I took a philosophy class entitled “Human Thought and Action.” One of the required readings was an autobiography by Dr. Viktor Frankl: Man’s Search for Meaning. Viktor Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist in Vienna, Austria, during the rise of the Third Reich, including when the Nazis forcefully annexed Austria. During that time many Jews tried to leave Austria to find refuge in other countries. Among the more notable Jews living in Vienna at the time was Sigmund Freud who, in 1938, was given permission by the Nazis to emigrate to England.
Oh if only would this piece be featured in every major newspaper in the US and actually get people to finally start thinking again!!! As individuals. To everyone who has just read this: share it far and wide.
Too bad Mans Search for meaning is not required reading in schools, colleges and workplaces that push kendi and the hannah jones, both of whom, among others, seek to tribalize our society through the use of stereotypes. The notion of personal responsibility and agency is under constant, vicious attack. Thank you to Mr kukuk for reminding us that these notions are instrumental to our humanity.
I read Frankl years ago and it had a profound effect. I have bought his book for the young people in my life in the past. This article has renewed my commitment to doing so again. Every person in the world should read Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning.
Awesome article and a reminder that you can choose to be decent or indecent. In the end, only self can determine which path to choose.
There are those today that would have no problem revisiting the ability to lock up and isolate those who do not believe or follow their ideas such as inherent racism, climate change, CRT. All are often used to try and stigmatize those who have different opinions. Mankind is easily led down the road of power and becoming indecent.
As a famous Buddhist Monk said, “If a bad man is dying, let him die. If a man lives, let him be good “.
This article is a vivid reminder that you have the power to choose. You and I are not responsible for the past. We are responsible to prevent the past from happening again.
This is really good. I have loved Dr. Frankl’s most famous book for many years, but I needed this reminder that he completely rejected allowing group identity to dominate our perceptions of ourselves and others.
Thanks for the excellent article. I encountered Frankl when I was studying psychology in the late 1960s. Frankl's book "The Doctor and the Soul: From Psychotherapy to Logotherapy" was very influential on my thinking.
Why is this essay incompatible with anti- racist philosophy? I take issue with the idea that being anti- racist - not race blind in a nation that constantly wishes to turn the page on history without taking responsibility - deters adherence to Frankl's principles.
Omit the final lament below and this outlines wonderful principles to live by within anti racist actions and objectives. The Germans are cited as exemplary in their behavior memorializing the Nazi genocide by Bryan Stevenson, let's emulate them and learn from history.
Sadly, however, the commonplace truth of individual responsibility, self-transcendence, and kindness is under assault.
Oh if only would this piece be featured in every major newspaper in the US and actually get people to finally start thinking again!!! As individuals. To everyone who has just read this: share it far and wide.
Too bad Mans Search for meaning is not required reading in schools, colleges and workplaces that push kendi and the hannah jones, both of whom, among others, seek to tribalize our society through the use of stereotypes. The notion of personal responsibility and agency is under constant, vicious attack. Thank you to Mr kukuk for reminding us that these notions are instrumental to our humanity.
Wonderful piece, beautifully done, and a hopeful message.
I read Frankl years ago and it had a profound effect. I have bought his book for the young people in my life in the past. This article has renewed my commitment to doing so again. Every person in the world should read Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning.
Beautiful truths, artfully articulated. Thank you.
Awesome article and a reminder that you can choose to be decent or indecent. In the end, only self can determine which path to choose.
There are those today that would have no problem revisiting the ability to lock up and isolate those who do not believe or follow their ideas such as inherent racism, climate change, CRT. All are often used to try and stigmatize those who have different opinions. Mankind is easily led down the road of power and becoming indecent.
As a famous Buddhist Monk said, “If a bad man is dying, let him die. If a man lives, let him be good “.
This article is a vivid reminder that you have the power to choose. You and I are not responsible for the past. We are responsible to prevent the past from happening again.
I just want to affirm this wonderful piece of writing. Lord in heaven, how much we need this perspective in this time.
This is really good. I have loved Dr. Frankl’s most famous book for many years, but I needed this reminder that he completely rejected allowing group identity to dominate our perceptions of ourselves and others.
Beautiful essay. Thank you for publishing.
Excellent. Beautiful. A great message and reminder for our times.
Exactly. Individual responsibility is the realilty, across cultures. Thank you for this .
Thanks for the excellent article. I encountered Frankl when I was studying psychology in the late 1960s. Frankl's book "The Doctor and the Soul: From Psychotherapy to Logotherapy" was very influential on my thinking.
good article, I read Frankl a long time ago and had forgotten some of it, so it was a good reminder. Thanks for writing.
Amen
Why is this essay incompatible with anti- racist philosophy? I take issue with the idea that being anti- racist - not race blind in a nation that constantly wishes to turn the page on history without taking responsibility - deters adherence to Frankl's principles.
Omit the final lament below and this outlines wonderful principles to live by within anti racist actions and objectives. The Germans are cited as exemplary in their behavior memorializing the Nazi genocide by Bryan Stevenson, let's emulate them and learn from history.
Sadly, however, the commonplace truth of individual responsibility, self-transcendence, and kindness is under assault.
Excellent. I LOVE MSFM. It is applied stoicism.