Art of Manliness - Latest Comments in Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

MJ — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 14:25:24 -0000

My favorite story from Frankl's book:

"Once, an elderly general practitioner consulted me because of his severe depression. He could not overcome the loss of his wife who had died two years before and whom he had loved above all else. Now, how can I help him? What should I tell him? Well, I refrained from telling him anything but instead confronted him with the question, “What would have happened, Doctor, if you had died first, and your wife would have had to survive you?” “Oh,” he said, “for her this would have been terrible; how she would have suffered!” Whereupon I replied, “You see, Doctor, such a suffering has been spared her, and it was you who have spared her this suffering — to be sure, at the price that now you have to survive and mourn her.” He said no word but shook my hand and calmly left my office. In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice." — P.113

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Kohn — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:10:31 -0000

I can only repeat what as already been stated. We all mostly live in a fantasy of a life, protected from all the realities of the world, but here is a man exposed to ultimate reality. I am not a fan of most of the recent Psyco-babble because they write their theories off of these fake realities created by poor parenting and a politically correct society. Here was a man learning from the worst parts of life, and seeing only the truth in everything he learned. Nothing he saw was theory, because those around him lived and died by what he applied.

Like the other posts mentioned, we can only hope that should we find ourselves in such circumstances, that we too might show our true strengths, and come out as great as he did...

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

andrei bogolubov — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:53:01 -0000

I would greatly appreciate your expert comment and feedback on a recently published article which referenced the work of Viktor Frankl. As you well know, Frankl’s thinking continues to have a profound influence worldwide.

Please find the link below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.c...

All the best,

Andrei Bogolubov

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Liara Covert — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:27:07 -0000

Viktor Frankle's life gains deeper meaning because he experienced what it means to lose everything and reconnect with what matters. Each human being in invited to expand his inner journey. You explore your inner self wherever you are.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

NoPeanutz — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:14:26 -0000

"Man's Search for Meaning" is truly one of the most amazing works of Literature of the 20th Century. And this is acknowledged.
Just an incredible story.

He watched his doctoral thesis burn when he was brought to Auschwitz, and survived by giving himself a mission. That he had to make it through the war so that he could eventually publish his research, so that his thesis would not be lost to mankind. What happened was that his experiences in the Concentration Camp enhanced his own research and theories.

Since beginning to read TAOM, the underlying theme for me has been "a man is someone who takes responsibility for his actions. Someone who can be counted to make an impact."

This was Frankl. The Nazis tried to dictate every aspect of his existence, even when he would live or die. But he found the inner fortitude to take control.
It is a short read, but guaranteed inspiration.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Charlie — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:52:19 -0000

Really incredible. Thanks for this.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Karl Staib — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:41:57 -0000

"Choose your attitude."

That says it all right there. We are our actions. When we choose a positive attitude we will get positive results.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Jen — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:33:20 -0000

What an excellent post- I've often heard his name, but I didn't realize what his story was. Now I'm looking forward to reading his book. Very well written, and lots to think about.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Mike Bates — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:24:50 -0000

I think that, after 65 years, for many Americans the Holocaust is slowly becoming a faceless, impersonal tragedy along the lines of the Influenza Epidemic of the early 20th century. As more and more survivors die off, it's becoming harder and harder to relate to the horror that these men and women had to endure. Thank you for putting a face, especially one so inspiring, back into the spotlight.

www.the-common-man.com

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Hayden Tompkins — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:10:52 -0000

I can't tell you how ecstatic I am to see this article on TAOM. "Man's Search for Meaning" is one of the most profound books I've ever read. If someone can come through the experience of a concentration camp, a holocaust, with their spirit intact - that's someone who has touched the depths of our souls.

He does go into some 'technical' stuff, but I just skipped over those sections. It's powerful. Great job Cory.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Cameron — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:23:10 -0000

Great post, I have not read anything by him, but now I feel very compelled!

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Chris — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:05:44 -0000

I have to agree Frankl's book should be required reading for all HS students. I read it in Abnormal Psych in college, and was truly inspired. After reading this, I want to find the book and read it again.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Dante Explorer — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:27:20 -0000

Thank you for your article on Victor Frankl. You can't read this book and not be changed. It should be required reading for every high school student. Well done.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Marshall — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:57:33 -0000

This is by far one of the best articles here. Thank you, Cory.

The story of a Holocaust survivor isn't that original (though it can still inspire me). The life lessons you presented aren't that original either. But putting them together somehow made for a fresh take on both. You've really struck at the core of motivation here, while introducing me to someone with a fascinating story.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Shanel Yang — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:46:46 -0000

It's so true that people who has overcome a lot of hardship from an early age, though they seem less extroverted and perhaps less hardy on the outside are nevertheless quite strong on the inside. I wrote about that in "Fan Your Inner Flame Till It Burns Bright" at http://shanelyang.com/2008/...

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

Rob — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:08:53 -0000

Great post. "Man's Search for Happiness should be essential reading for all men, especially those who feel the need to take anti-depressants to be happy. If a man could choose to live with purpose and happiness in a concentration camp, certainly he could make that choice when he's living a fantastically comfortable middle-class life.

Re: Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness

ChristianPF — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:54:58 -0000

I like to think that I live with the mindset that Frankl suggests, but it has never been put to the test like it was for him and the others there. It is encouraging to know that even under those terrible conditions having a sense of purpose can help sustain...