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| Viktor Frankl Museum, Vienna, Austria Photo by Geoffrey W. Sutton |
Viktor Frankl: Concepts and Theories
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Will to Meaning
Frankl proposed that the primary motivational force in humans is the pursuit of meaning, rather than pleasure (Freud) or power (Adler). Example: A physician finds fulfillment not in status or wealth, but in helping patients recover and live meaningful lives.
Meaning of Life
Frankl asserted that life holds meaning under all circumstances—even in suffering. Meaning can be discovered through purposeful work, love, and adopting a courageous attitude toward unavoidable pain. Example: A prisoner in a concentration camp finds meaning by comforting fellow inmates and maintaining dignity despite despair.
Freedom of Will
Humans possess the freedom to choose their attitudes and responses, even when external circumstances are beyond their control. Example: After losing her job, a woman chooses to view the setback as an opportunity to pursue a long-delayed passion.
Existential Vacuum
This refers to a pervasive sense of emptiness and lack of purpose, often resulting in boredom, apathy, or distress. Example: A successful executive feels unfulfilled despite career achievements, questioning the purpose of his daily routine.
Paradoxical Intention
A therapeutic technique where individuals deliberately exaggerate their feared behavior or symptom, reducing its power and anxiety. Example: A person with insomnia jokes, “Tonight I’ll try to stay awake all night!”—ironically easing the pressure and falling asleep.
Dereflection
This technique shifts attention away from obsessive self-focus and toward meaningful tasks or others, alleviating anxiety. Example: A student overwhelmed by test anxiety volunteers to tutor classmates, redirecting focus from personal stress to helping others.
Tragic Triad
Frankl identified three existential challenges: suffering, guilt, and death. He believed that meaning can be found even in these painful experiences. Example: After the death of a loved one, a woman channels her grief into advocacy for hospice care, transforming loss into purpose.
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About Viktor Frankl
Frankl is best known for founding logotherapy, a meaning-centered form of psychotherapy that posits the search for meaning as the primary motivational force in human life. His approach became known as the “third Viennese school of psychotherapy,” following Freud’s psychoanalysis and Adler’s individual psychology.
After the war, Frankl returned to Vienna and became head of the neurology department at the General Polyclinic Hospital. He published more than 30 books, including his seminal work Man’s Search for Meaning (Frankl, 1946/2006), which blends memoir and psychological insight to illustrate the power of meaning in human survival and resilience.
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Man's Search for Meaning (Book notes)
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| Man's Search for Meaning Now a rare edition |
Publications and Editions
Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press. [SEE SUMMARY]
Frankl, V. E. (1955). The doctor and the soul. Verlag Herder.
Frankl, V. E. (1967). Psychotherapy and existentialism. Simon & Schuster.
Frankl, V. E. (1969). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. Plume.
Frankl, V. E. (1974). Man's search for ultimate meaning. Plume.
Frankl, V. E. (1978). The unheard cry for meaning. Simon & Schuster. [AMAZON]
Frankl, V. E. (1988). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. Plume.
Frankl, V. E. (1995). Recollections: An autobiography. Basic Books.
Frankl, V. E. (2000). Viktor Frankl recollections: An autobiography. Basic Books. AMAZON
Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press. [SEE SUMMARY]
Frankl, V. E. (2017). Man's search for meaning: A young adult edition. Beacon Press. [AMAZON]
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