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The Meaning of Life in the Face of Adversity |
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In his book "Man's Search for Meaning," Viktor Frankl recounts the harrowing
experiences of prisoners in Auschwitz and the power of the "meaning therapy" in
helping them cope. Nietzsche once said, "He who has a why to live can bear
almost any how." But what if you were a prisoner living in a concentration camp,
stripped of your freedom and subjected to unimaginable suffering? Would you
still seek meaning in life? Frankl's personal account sheds light on the
psychological journey of the prisoners and their stories of survival.
Newly arrived prisoners in the concentration camp initially struggled to cope
with their circumstances, but eventually became indifferent and numb to their
surroundings, leading to a sense of utter despair. In such extreme
circumstances, the line between good and evil becomes blurred, and people's true
nature is laid bare. The harsh conditions of survival often crush all hope and
drive individuals towards death.
Frankl notes that when he saw fellow prisoners smoking, he knew they had lost
the will to live. Once the will to live is lost, it is nearly impossible to
regain. So, what is the meaning of life, and why do we live? Frankl does not
give a straightforward answer, as the meaning of life varies from person to
person. However, he outlines three ways to find meaning: creating or engaging in
meaningful work, experiencing love and being loved, and adopting a positive
attitude towards suffering.
The first two ways are easier for people to understand and accept, but the last
one, adopting a positive attitude towards suffering, raises more questions. Is
living just about enduring unavoidable suffering and adopting a positive
attitude towards it? What is the meaning of life, and why do we live? Asking
these questions about the meaning of life is a form of self-transcendence. |
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