Week 8 Blog: Victor Frankl

In Victor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”, He introduces Logotherapy, which is a school of psychology based on the belief that human beings are motivated by the search for meaning in life. Logotherapy has three principles: free will, will to meaning, and meaning in life.

Logotherapy provides a framework for understanding how individuals can find purpose in life, even in the most tragic circumstances. Frankl argues that by engaging in a process of self-discovery and embracing personal responsibility, people can uncover the deeper significance behind their suffering and use it as a catalyst for growth. Free will allows people to make their own choices in life to create something meaningful. Will to meaning emphasizes the importance of wanting to find a meaningful life (because without the will to improve, there is no possibility of developing something positive). And finally, the meaning in life is denoted as the most important because it is the ability to learn from something uncomfortable or tragic and continue to evolve into a more remarkable future.

Frankl’s principles resonate with me because I often find myself unwanting to go through or remembering uncomfortable experiences due to it being easier to ignore the issue or avoid it completely. However, it is important to realize that negative experiences that have happened, although tragic, are something to grow and learn from. And minor troublesome things, such as studying for an exam or doing homework, are to better understand my classes which will help me in finding a better occupation in the future, as well as a more-rounded education and understanding of the world.