Author: Viktor E Frankl
Genre: non fiction, memoir
This book by Frankl gives a brief
introduction to logotherapy, a kind of psychotherapy practiced by him in
addition to his experiences in the concentration camp.
The book is essentially divided
into two parts. The first is an autobiographical account of his experiences at
the concentration camps. He describes the psychology of the prisoners. The life
in a concentration camp is beyond the imagination of most people. In spite of
this, people did manage to get through those tough conditions. Frankl describes
what went through the prisoners’ mind when they first entered the camp, how
they managed to adapt to those terrible conditions and how liberation, although
a boon could also have negative effects. He also writes about the thoughts and
practices that helped him stay optimistic and retain his will to live. His main
point is that man can survive the harshest of condition as long as there is a
purpose and meaning to his life. This part serves as an introduction and
testimony to the effectiveness logotherapy. In the second part describing
logotherapy, the author continues this idea that finding meaning in life is
central. This meaning can be in the form of work or in the form of caring for a
loved one. Suffering can also be endured better if the suffering is thought to
have a purpose. He also shows using real life examples that a lot of sadness,
depression etc. can be overcome by changing ones attitude to a particular
situation.
I really liked the
autobiographical part. The author has done an incredible job of portraying the
conditions and the mental struggles of the inmates of the concentration camp.
However, I am not completely convinced by his arguments of the effectiveness of
logotherapy. I do believe that having a sense of purpose and meaning is quite
central to living a happy life. However, it may not always hold true. Also, the
effectiveness of logotherapy or any psychotherapy is curing all kinds of
depression, addictions etc. is controversial. In the end though, some of the
ideas described in the book are actually worth applying, especially during
depressing times. The other point is that I felt that the second part becomes a
bit repetitive towards the end and some points are unnecessarily elaborated.
Overall it is an interesting read
if one is interested in understanding the lives of people during the holocaust.
However, if you are reading it as a self-help book or to learn to get through
life better, then it may be disappointing.
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