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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
Frankl's book is divided into two parts- a record of how he survived Auschwitz (and 3 other camps), and a rather dry exegesis of his new (at the time) psychotherapy school.
I would guess that most people who pick up this book do so expecting to find a narrative of how Frankl found meaning in his life and a way to keep going under the atrocious conditions of the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. They probably also wish to hear the tale of a survivor and of the horrors of camp life.
That's not exactly what you get with this book. He says clearly that those wishing for the second will be disappointed and should seek one of the many accounts which go into camp life in great detail (although there is more than enough to shock and disgust). The book Frankl delivers is an introduction to his specific school of psychotherapy through examples (complete with raft of jargon- 'dereflection'! 'noo-dynamics' 'hyper-intention' and so on), one which he seeks to place squarely in a trinity with Freudian pschoanalysis, and Adlerian Individual psychology as "The Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy". After reading Part II, the first part of the book which deals with his memoir seems to be included to offer his credentials and to show the success of and need for, his method. He time and again successfully helps others, or shows how they suffer without it, and I got a whiff of advertising case studies for a upcoming therapy method.
I found the 'logotherapy' described in the book not very scientifically robust, or convincing. It came across as quasi-philosophical, quasi-religious ('Super-Meaning), and quasi-scientific, and the section much like a needy sales pitch.
I am glad that his method worked for him in helping him to survive, but I'm not sure this tract would have, had the biographical details not preceded it. It is ironic that he felt that it was this tract, the first version of which was confiscated by German authorities, that kept him alive. He dearly sought its completion and publication and that gave him the 'why' he needed to survive.
*There is a strange anxiety when regarding works by Jewish writers, especially on the topic of the Holocaust, that makes one reluctant to criticise lest the criticism seem to belittle experience and/or appear antisemitic. With this text, I think the danger on being misconstrued is not great, but I still feel a flutter in awarding it two stars. The biography is compelling due to the horrific circumstances, and it is interesting to see how he managed to transcend his lot mentally. Rating this section with stars would be grotesque. However, the section that follows, and which to me cheapens the memoir, got two stars from me.
I would guess that most people who pick up this book do so expecting to find a narrative of how Frankl found meaning in his life and a way to keep going under the atrocious conditions of the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. They probably also wish to hear the tale of a survivor and of the horrors of camp life.
That's not exactly what you get with this book. He says clearly that those wishing for the second will be disappointed and should seek one of the many accounts which go into camp life in great detail (although there is more than enough to shock and disgust). The book Frankl delivers is an introduction to his specific school of psychotherapy through examples (complete with raft of jargon- 'dereflection'! 'noo-dynamics' 'hyper-intention' and so on), one which he seeks to place squarely in a trinity with Freudian pschoanalysis, and Adlerian Individual psychology as "The Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy". After reading Part II, the first part of the book which deals with his memoir seems to be included to offer his credentials and to show the success of and need for, his method. He time and again successfully helps others, or shows how they suffer without it, and I got a whiff of advertising case studies for a upcoming therapy method.
I found the 'logotherapy' described in the book not very scientifically robust, or convincing. It came across as quasi-philosophical, quasi-religious ('Super-Meaning), and quasi-scientific, and the section much like a needy sales pitch.
I am glad that his method worked for him in helping him to survive, but I'm not sure this tract would have, had the biographical details not preceded it. It is ironic that he felt that it was this tract, the first version of which was confiscated by German authorities, that kept him alive. He dearly sought its completion and publication and that gave him the 'why' he needed to survive.
*There is a strange anxiety when regarding works by Jewish writers, especially on the topic of the Holocaust, that makes one reluctant to criticise lest the criticism seem to belittle experience and/or appear antisemitic. With this text, I think the danger on being misconstrued is not great, but I still feel a flutter in awarding it two stars. The biography is compelling due to the horrific circumstances, and it is interesting to see how he managed to transcend his lot mentally. Rating this section with stars would be grotesque. However, the section that follows, and which to me cheapens the memoir, got two stars from me.
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
There’s something to say about Frankl experiencing the trauma and horrors of being in a death camp during the holocaust and somehow discovering essential truths about life from his experiences.
The author analyzes the condition of prisoners in the death camps; initially describing the shock, apathy, and disillusionment they experienced. Frankl provides great detail to his observations of the psychology and behaviors of prisoners in death camps.
He ultimately came to the conclusion that the meaning of life is in every moment of life, and that life never stops having meaning, even in the worst circumstances. As prisoners in camps lost everything, from their material possessions to loved ones, Frankl found that humans, even when they have nothing, still can find meaning in life and hold hope for a better future. The author declares that people who experience hell can survive by living for something.
While many of us are extremely lucky to not live in daily fear for our lives, I think we all can learn a lot from Frankl. Through hardship, even when it is seemingly impossible, the human spirit somehow pushes through.
I would criticize this book for being insensitive at times. At times, Frankl’s words seem like victim blaming, which is perplexing, given the fact that he was a victim too. I also think this book reflects the time it is written in when the author describes a wife and children as a deeply deeply significant source of meaning. It is for many, but times have changed where it is more common for family to have a lesser (while still significant) central focus to the individual.
This book can be slow at times. Frankl’s logic may not always be coherent. Regardless, I don’t think there are better times to reflect and learn about humanity than our darkest periods.
The author analyzes the condition of prisoners in the death camps; initially describing the shock, apathy, and disillusionment they experienced. Frankl provides great detail to his observations of the psychology and behaviors of prisoners in death camps.
He ultimately came to the conclusion that the meaning of life is in every moment of life, and that life never stops having meaning, even in the worst circumstances. As prisoners in camps lost everything, from their material possessions to loved ones, Frankl found that humans, even when they have nothing, still can find meaning in life and hold hope for a better future. The author declares that people who experience hell can survive by living for something.
While many of us are extremely lucky to not live in daily fear for our lives, I think we all can learn a lot from Frankl. Through hardship, even when it is seemingly impossible, the human spirit somehow pushes through.
I would criticize this book for being insensitive at times. At times, Frankl’s words seem like victim blaming, which is perplexing, given the fact that he was a victim too. I also think this book reflects the time it is written in when the author describes a wife and children as a deeply deeply significant source of meaning. It is for many, but times have changed where it is more common for family to have a lesser (while still significant) central focus to the individual.
This book can be slow at times. Frankl’s logic may not always be coherent. Regardless, I don’t think there are better times to reflect and learn about humanity than our darkest periods.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Really good book. It gives you hope, guide you to find your purpose. Victor Frankl's experiences show even in such adverse circumstances one can maintain his composure & won't lose his ideals.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
dark
medium-paced
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Ah, psychotherapy and suffering. The cynical view interpretation is to simply choose to continue in light of suffering Obviously the begged question is then why should one or what inspires people to when so many would rather let it consume them. By purpose, by people, by else.
It deserves to be well regarded and likely one I'll come back to.
Alas, I did not physically read this despite best efforts and 2 years. But slamming 4.5 hours in a day was delightful.
Likely I would ask me of the future to skip the preliminary concentration camp sections.
Also:
1) I delight in its shortness
2) Fuck all the Generative AI audio versions out there
16/09/2025
It deserves to be well regarded and likely one I'll come back to.
Alas, I did not physically read this despite best efforts and 2 years. But slamming 4.5 hours in a day was delightful.
Likely I would ask me of the future to skip the preliminary concentration camp sections.
Also:
1) I delight in its shortness
2) Fuck all the Generative AI audio versions out there
16/09/2025
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
reflective
slow-paced
reflective
sad
medium-paced