1. “When a man finds that in which he bears his burden” (Frankl 78).
This quote makes it seem that suffering gives like meaning or makes it more meaningful. Like life, suffering has meaning too if it is approached from the right side. To understand the meaning that suffering offers, we must first accept it. In situations where we cannot sustain our existence without passing through suffering, the meaning our suffering has to offer us depends on our attitude towards it. No doubt it appears that suffering is being viewed as a positive human phenomenon by the author and it has been granted a place of honor in human life. According to the author suffering keeps us physically active. However, I do not agree with Frankl’s opinion that we cannot relieve ourselves of our suffering.
2. “The way in which a man accepts become no more than an animal” (Frankl 67).
The above quote reflects the fact that moral dilemmas and struggle can bring person’s heroic or positive traits to the forefront. This quote is a reminder that even in the midst of suffering, we have the choice and the power to find meaning in life, to choose who we want to be and how we want to live. Although we cannot avoid some pain and suffering in life because they are a part of the human experience, most of it is self induced with our thoughts and we can radically reduce it by our choices. Regardless of our personal suffering, we have a choice of how we respond to it.
3. “A man who becomes conscious bear almost any how” (Frankl 80).
The whole foundation of this quote is the “why.” In simple words, the “why” that the author speaks of is the fundamental reason we exist. We all have our own “why,” which is the reason that behind our existence. Once we find what our “why” is, whether it is responsibility towards another human being, or finishing some unfinished work, as the author mentions, we will be able to endure challenges and sufferings in our life effortlessly. Once we discover this goal of our life, we will be able overcome any challenge, without even thinking about “how” or what to do.
Work Cited
Frankl, V. (2000). Man's search for meaning. (4th ed., Vol. 1). Boston: Beacon Press.
