Read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search For Meaning, Afterword (William Winslade)
1) In a single sentence IN YOUR OWN WORDS (IYOW), describe the main argument of the Afterword re: the importance of Frankl’s book.
2) Provide THREE specific pieces of evidence provided to support this thesis. Use 2-3 sentences for EACH and feel free to number them.
Part 2
Discuss THREE numbered HOLOCAUST-focused revelations you’ve had this week, and a single open-ended question for US to ponder
Add detail/ go in-depth with revelations 2-3 sentences
1) In a single sentence IN YOUR OWN WORDS (IYOW), describe the main argument of the Afterword re: the importance of Frankl’s book.
Introduction
The book Man’s Search for Meaning has been called a “masterpiece” and “one of the greatest books of the twentieth century”. In this Afterword, we will discuss what makes it so important to human existence.
Afterword: A Postscript to Man’s Search for Meaning
The Afterword is a short essay by Viktor Frankl, written in the form of a letter to his friend Erich Stern. Frankl describes how he was able to write the book while in a concentration camp and gives credit for this success to his parents’ influence during their childhood years.
Frankl writes:
“I am grateful for this opportunity because I know that if I had not been able to maintain my inner balance during those years, then none of what happened would have taken place outside or inside me. In other words: my mother’s love gave me strength; my father’s love protected me from despair; both instilled in me an awareness that life should be lived as though it ended today.”
1. That this testimony to the human spirit was written under tragic circumstances makes it an even more remarkable feat.
That this testimony to the human spirit was written under tragic circumstances makes it an even more remarkable feat, for Frankl’s writings were not simply reflections on his experiences at Auschwitz or elsewhere. Rather, they were intended as a gift for others—and this gift is so powerful because of its authenticity: Frankl wrote in prison and on death row while awaiting execution.
Through his writing he created a new type of psychology called Logotherapy (Logos being Greek for “word”), which has been used by therapists around the world since 1945 when it first appeared in print form as Man For Himself—the only book ever published by one individual while still alive!
2. That the author himself reached such a level of self-realization and self-transcendence in the face of all challenges contributed greatly to later versions of logotherapy.
That the author himself reached such a level of self-realization and self-transcendence in the face of all challenges contributed greatly to later versions of logotherapy.
Frankl’s experience can be seen as an example of how one can find meaning in suffering, even if it doesn’t seem like there is any meaning at all. He was able to transcend his suffering with the help of friends and strangers who helped him through times when he felt hopeless or alone. Frankl’s story teaches us that we must search for answers about why we suffer in order for us to overcome our problems; if we don’t look for answers then nothing will change!
3. The book has survived as a classic testimony of the human spirit, despite its details being outdated by later scholarship.
The book has survived as a classic testimony of the human spirit, despite its details being outdated by later scholarship. The message is still relevant today, and it can be seen in many other books that have been written since then. It was also an important step towards understanding how we can all improve our lives by finding meaning in them.
The book’s message is timeless: no matter what happens in your life or around you, there are always things to smile about and lessons to learn from everything else! This makes it universal – everyone will benefit from reading this book regardless of their background or culture; therefore everyone should read it!
The book powerfully demonstrates that the will to meaning is at the heart of human existence, even in the most horrible conditions.
The book powerfully demonstrates that the will to meaning is at the heart of human existence, even in the most horrible conditions.
The book is a classic testimony of the human spirit.
Conclusion
Frankl’s book is a powerful testimony to the human spirit, and it remains relevant today. His message can be summed up in this quote from his book: “I do not see how I can ever be happy when there is so much unhappiness in the world.”