Helpful Score: 4
In "Man's Search for Meaning", Dr. Frankl utilizes his experiences in Auschwitz to establish the backdrop for a brief study of his psychotherapeutic doctrine Logotherapy. Being generally aware of the content, I was originally hesitant to order the book. I had been reading upbeat material and was hesitant about reading what promised to be 'darker' material.
Once I started reading "Man's Search for Meaning" it was difficult to put down. The book is hopeful and positive. It is very well written and easy to read. Dr. Frankl does not go into in-depth detail about concentration camp life, choosing to leave that for historians and other authors, but writes about his experiences effectively to illustrate points, and every one is shared with a purpose. This is done in the first half of the book where he covers his concentration camp experience from 'registration' to release.
The second half of the book was added in later years, the primary portion is a brief summary of his logotherapy theories was added in 1963. Then a subsequent section was added in 1984 which outlined specific topics of interest relating to his approach, titled "The Case for A Tragic Optimism."
His psychotherapy model presents an alternative to the more classic Freudian and slightly less known Adlerian approaches - suggesting man's "will to meaning" is the foundation for his mental health and not his "will for pleasure" or "will for power".
Personally, I find his approach appealing to both my rational and intuitive selfs and find myself wanting to learn more about his theories. Regardless of whether you agree or not, his theories represent a more hopeful approach to human psychology. The primary question that I am left with, being a psychology graduate - why was this not required reading somewhere along the way? Great book, highly recommended.
Once I started reading "Man's Search for Meaning" it was difficult to put down. The book is hopeful and positive. It is very well written and easy to read. Dr. Frankl does not go into in-depth detail about concentration camp life, choosing to leave that for historians and other authors, but writes about his experiences effectively to illustrate points, and every one is shared with a purpose. This is done in the first half of the book where he covers his concentration camp experience from 'registration' to release.
The second half of the book was added in later years, the primary portion is a brief summary of his logotherapy theories was added in 1963. Then a subsequent section was added in 1984 which outlined specific topics of interest relating to his approach, titled "The Case for A Tragic Optimism."
His psychotherapy model presents an alternative to the more classic Freudian and slightly less known Adlerian approaches - suggesting man's "will to meaning" is the foundation for his mental health and not his "will for pleasure" or "will for power".
Personally, I find his approach appealing to both my rational and intuitive selfs and find myself wanting to learn more about his theories. Regardless of whether you agree or not, his theories represent a more hopeful approach to human psychology. The primary question that I am left with, being a psychology graduate - why was this not required reading somewhere along the way? Great book, highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 3
Really 2 books in one...the first part deals with the author's experience as a Nazi concentration camp victim. The second part deals with a form of psychotherapy called "LOGO-THERAPY". All in all, a thought provoking book. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
A concise and readable book emphasizing the core of what it means to be human. Exceptionally worthwhile and thought provoking reading.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a man who survived Nazi concentration camps and found a way to come out of it without being demoralized. Dr. Frankl learned to put his life's work to the test by finding a way to transcend suffering and find meaning in life, even while living an intolerable existence. While living in the camps he taught others to use this mental toolbox to survive in more positive state of mind also. The theory exercised a tremendous influence on the entire field of phsychiatry and psychology.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a true story of a psychiatrist imprisoned in Auschwitz. It's difficult to read due to its painful candor, but leaves you amazed at how human beings can find beauty in life, even in the most awful situations.
