Vysakh M's Key Ideas from Man's Search For Meaning
by Viktor E Frankl

It is not the circumstances but an inner decision that leads to man’s behavior. We may blame our circumstances but the truth is our inner constitution was not strong enough. You can always control what you do in your limited capacity.

Men went to both extremes in the concentration camps, some became monsters in order to survive. While there were others who would go from hut to hut consoling people, giving away their last piece of bread. So what was the difference between them, the difference was their inner constitution. Similarly, in any situation be the man who tries to rise beyond and set his wings towards heaven.

Life does not care about our little trifles with meaning. Life questions each man and it is unto him to answers life’s question. And this is man’s primary meaning.

Meaning in life according to Frankl ; can be of three kinds. The first being a higher purpose or calling, something you feel you have been put on this earth to achieve. The second is love, love for family, friends, and especially that special someone. The last is suffering. Suffering is an unavoidable part of human existence and it is upto man to find meaning in his own suffering.

Life is like a movie; it’s ultimate meaning can only be seen in its conclusion. But each still in the movie has an inherent meaning of its own. It is up to us to make each frame and still meaningful to the best of our ability.

Decent people are a minority. But a goal in life should be to be a part of this minority and strive hard to be decent.

It is upto us even in the face of great adversity to act in accordance with who we are. The meaning of life is only attained through right action

How to decide whether you want to pursue something. Imagine you are on your deathbed and look back on events as if you did not pursue this goal. 

Another kind of man existence a man who has lost hope or meaning in his suffering. In the concentration camp there were these men who would give up and just lay down to die. No amount of threats or pleasantries could make them get up again. For example, a large number of people died right after Christmas, they had thought they would be rescued by this time and when this did not happen, they lost hope and gave up. Frankl noted that these men would start to smoke cigarettes they had hidden away, turning to primitive drive for pleasure.

It is up to each individual to define meaning for themselves. It is meaning that makes us rise above our animal instincts and reach for the divine within and outside ourselves. To make us virtuous and act in accordance with our higher ideals than falling to base pleasures. To make us fulfilled and happy. To become who were truly meant to be.