Viktor E. Frankl
Full Name and Common Aliases
Viktor Emil Frankl, often referred to simply as Viktor Frankl, was a renowned psychiatrist and neurologist whose work has left an indelible mark on the fields of psychology and existential philosophy.
Birth and Death Dates
Viktor E. Frankl was born on March 26, 1905, in Vienna, Austria, and passed away on September 2, 1997, in the same city, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Frankl was an Austrian by nationality. He was a distinguished psychiatrist, neurologist, and Holocaust survivor. His professional journey was marked by his development of logotherapy, a form of existential analysis that emphasizes finding meaning in life.
Early Life and Background
Viktor Frankl was born into a Jewish family in Vienna, the second of three children. His early life was characterized by a deep interest in psychology and philosophy, which he pursued with vigor. Frankl's academic journey began at the University of Vienna, where he studied medicine, specializing in neurology and psychiatry. His early work was influenced by the likes of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler, but he soon began to forge his own path, focusing on the human search for meaning.
Major Accomplishments
Frankl's most significant accomplishment was the development of logotherapy, a therapeutic approach that posits that the primary drive in human beings is not pleasure, as Freud suggested, but the pursuit of what he termed "meaning." This groundbreaking theory emerged from Frankl's own experiences and observations during the Holocaust, where he was imprisoned in several concentration camps, including Auschwitz. Despite the unimaginable suffering he endured, Frankl observed that those who found meaning in their lives were more resilient in the face of adversity.
Notable Works or Actions
Viktor Frankl's most famous work, "Man's Search for Meaning," is a profound narrative that combines his experiences in the concentration camps with an introduction to logotherapy. Published in 1946, the book has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. It remains a seminal text in existential psychology and is often cited for its insights into human resilience and the quest for meaning.
In addition to "Man's Search for Meaning," Frankl authored over 30 books and numerous articles, further elaborating on his theories and their applications. His work extended beyond academia; he lectured extensively, sharing his insights with audiences around the globe.
Impact and Legacy
Viktor Frankl's impact on psychology and psychotherapy is profound. His development of logotherapy provided a new lens through which to view human motivation and behavior, emphasizing the importance of meaning in life. This approach has been integrated into various therapeutic practices and continues to influence contemporary psychology.
Frankl's legacy is also evident in the way he inspired countless individuals to find purpose and meaning in their own lives, even in the face of suffering. His teachings have been applied in diverse fields, from education to business, and his ideas continue to resonate with those seeking to understand the human condition.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Viktor Frankl is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human spirit and the search for meaning. His experiences during the Holocaust and his subsequent reflections on the nature of suffering and resilience have provided a powerful testament to the strength of the human will. Frankl's ability to articulate the importance of finding meaning in life, even amidst the most harrowing circumstances, has made his words timeless and universally relevant.
His quotes often emphasize the power of choice, the importance of responsibility, and the potential for personal growth through adversity. These themes resonate deeply with individuals across cultures and generations, making Frankl a source of inspiration for those seeking guidance and understanding in their own lives.
In summary, Viktor E. Frankl's life and work continue to inspire and challenge us to find meaning and purpose, reminding us of the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Quotes by Viktor E. Frankl
Viktor E. Frankl's insights on:
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing is the last of human freedoms to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.
Man's concern about a meaning of life is the truest expression of the state of being human.
The doctor must act as agent of the sick man's will to live and as supporter of his right to live.
All in all, I don't think robots and greater automation can bring about a utopian world as I imagined it would as a kid 50 years ago.
[…] success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it.
When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves.
When we are no longer able to change the situation, we can always change ourselves.
If you call 'religious' a man who believes in what I call a Supermeaning, a meaning so comprehensive that you can no longer grasp it, get hold of it in rational intellectual terminology, then one should feel free to call me religious, really.
When I was taken to the concentration camp of Auschwitz, a manuscript of mine ready for publication was confiscated. Certainly, my deep desire to write this manuscript anew helped me to survive the rigors of the camps I was in.
Logotherapy sees the human patient in all his humanness. I step up to the core of the patient's being. And that is a being in search of meaning, a being that is transcending himself, a being capable of acting in love for others.