Viktor Frankl and Man’s Search for Meaning
By Elaine Meyers
January 27, 2006 was the 61st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, where 1.5 million people died. It also marked the celebration of the first International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Southern Cayuga Anne Frank Tree Project (SCAFT) understands the importance of remembering the events of the Holocaust and celebrating the voices from these horrendous times—voices that have taught generations the power of the human spirit to find meaning, hope and love as evil surrounds them. The Anne Frank horse chestnut tree grows in our school yard, and we hear Anne’s voice continuing to believe in the goodness of man. In 2025, we will hear the voice of Viktor Frankl.
Each February, the Southern Cayuga Anne Frank Tree hosts a Community Read where small groups gather to discuss a book that promotes understanding, equity and justice. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning was first published in 1946 in German and in 1959 in English and has sold over 16 million copies. The book has two parts. Frankl begins with his personal experiences in a concentration camp. He wants to reveal everyday life in a concentration camp and portray the thoughts and experiences of average prisoners. Frankl describes three phases of any experience—an introduction to the situation, followed by a period of deep entrenchment in the experience and ending with reflection when the experience ends. Frankl’s voice is clear and he enables the reader to see, hear and feel the life of the camp and its prisoners through all three phases.
The second part of the book explores Frankl’s unique therapeutic doctrine of Logotheraphy and his belief that man’s search for meaning is his primary motivation. Frankl believes that people are able to live and even die for their ideals and values. The purpose of logotherapy is to assist us in finding meaning in our lives. He discusses a number of ways that individuals survive traumatic situations. Frankl explores focusing on nature, remembering those who love us, and deciding that we can always do something to make our world a better place. He writes that hope is centered on our ability to find ways to be positive and proactive during our most traumatic times.
The Community Read begins on February 5 at 7 p.m. at the Aurora Public Library with the monthly meeting of the Hazard and Aurora Book Club. The following day, February 6 at 2 p.m. the public is invited to attend a Zoom discussion of the book. On February 20 at 4 p.m., a group will assemble at the United Ministry of Aurora. Please register for these meetings and you will receive the discussion questions prior to the event. We want the time spent in rich discussion. The vitality of the Community Read is knowing that everyone brings needed insight into the discussion and all benefit from shared insights and experience. For additional information and registration email Elaine Meyers at elaine.meyers4@gmail.com or call the Hazard or Aurora Library.