Man's Search for Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust

QOTD: "He who has a WHY to live for can bear almost any HOW."

"Man's Search for Meaning," by Viktor Frankle, is one of the best novels about the horrors of the Holocaust. The majority of Holocaust-related works shed light on the Nazi regime's darkness. On the contrary, this book discusses the psychological impact of the concentration camps on the people who were imprisoned there, as well as how those with a strong will managed to survive. And, in order to stay true to his word, the author exclusively recorded occurrences that had to do with the psychology of his and his inmates. This nonfiction book is split into two sections. "Experiences in a Concentration Camp," the first section, is largely autobiographical. The second portion, "Logotherapy in a Nutshell," is theoretical but builds on the teachings from the first.

This book had a significant impact on me. There were instances where people with stronger physique but weaker willpower succumbed, while those who were the polar opposites prevailed. The author also discusses how he and others like him overcame adversity to become better persons. Having a meaning in life, somewhere to go to, and something to do after they were released from the camps all played a crucial role in their survivability.

The book left me with the feeling that you can survive and prosper amid any adversity provided you have a meaning to life  and a strong reason to live another day. I would strongly advise anyone who is feeling down and out to read this book. Even if you are a happy and cheerful person, you should read this book because it will influence you in one way or another. You can order a copy of it from eLocalshop for a reasonable price.