Man's Search for Meaning
If someone now asked of us the truth of Dostoevski’s statement that flatly defines man as a being who can get used to anything, we would reply, “Yes, a man can get used to anything, but do not ask us how.”
Viktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
In other cases, the place of frustrated will to meaning is taken by the will to pleasure. That is why existential frustration often eventuates in sexual compensation. We can observe in such cases that the sexual libido becomes rampant in the existential vacuum.
Viktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
All through the night and late into the next morning, we had to stand outside, frozen and soaked to the skin after the strain of our long journey. And yet we were all very pleased! There was no chimney in this camp and Auschwitz was a long way off.
Viktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
when a patient stands on the firm ground of religious belief, there can be no objection to making use of the therapeutic effect of his religious convictions and thereby drawing upon his spiritual resources.
Viktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
it is a question of the attitude one takes toward life’s challenges and opportunities, both large and small. A positive attitude enables a person to
Viktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
the role played by a logotherapist is that of an eye specialist rather than that of a painter. A painter tries to convey to us a picture of the world as he sees it; an ophthalmologist tries to enable us to see the world as it really is.
Viktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
Why, then, do some people find themselves feeling so empty? Frankl’s wisdom here is worth emphasizing: it is a question of the attitude one takes toward life’s challenges and opportunities, both large and small. A positive attitude enables a person to endure suffering and disappointment as well as enhance enjoyment and satisfaction. A negative
... See moreViktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
When a man finds that it is his destiny to suffer, he will have to accept his suffering as his task; his single and unique task. He will have to acknowledge the fact that even in suffering he is unique and alone in the universe. No one can relieve him of his suffering or suffer in his place. His unique opportunity lies in the way in which he bears
... See moreViktor E. Frankl • Man's Search for Meaning
This state of inner suspense was followed by total relaxation. But it would be quite wrong to think that we went mad with joy.