"Man’s Search for Meaning" is divided into two parts. The first half of the book describes Viktor Frankl's experience in concentration camps, while the second half offers universally applicable lessons drawn from that very experience. This book is a true treasure. Few testimonies are as explicit, moving, and honest about life in the concentration camps. Frankl’s depiction of the emotional, spiritual, and social dynamics, both for himself and for the other prisoners, is a profound source of humility and knowledge. He writes:
“The thought of suicide was present in the minds of nearly everyone, if only for a brief moment. It arose from the anguish of the situation, the omnipresent danger of imminent death, and the proximity of death for most others.”
In the second part of the book, Frankl accomplishes the impossible: after sharing his harrowing testimony, he shows us how this experience can teach us to live better. The lesson he draws is a concept found in all spiritualities and religions. He explains, in clear and simple language, the importance of attributing meaning to our lives—of cultivating and giving meaning—and how this can give us the strength to move forward, no matter the apparent trials and difficulties we face. He invites us to ask this essential question:
Who are we if we are stripped of our degrees, our possessions, our family, our money, our home, our name?
What truly defines us if one or all of these elements are taken away?
What would motivate us to keep moving forward? And why?
In Auschwitz and Dachau, Frankl observed two types of people. The first category included those who had concluded that waking up each morning to be abused and starved while working like a slave, with death being certain, meant that life had lost all value and it was better to give up. Such people then ceased to want to live for a future they considered nonexistent. The second category included those who insisted on surviving despite the obscene and inhumane trials, despite the apparent absence of any hope in such a horrific situation. Frankl explains that the factor distinguishing these two responses lay in the meaning each person attributed to the situation. He teaches us that every individual is capable of finding and rewriting the meaning they give to things, thereby empowering themselves even in the most difficult circumstances, whether on a small or large scale. One of Frankl’s most inspiring testimonies concerns the kind souls he encountered in the camp:
“We who lived in concentration camps remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they prove that everything can be taken from a man, but one thing.”
Such an experience has far more power than all the theories in the world. Viktor Frankl’s experience in the Nazi concentration camps is absolutely extraordinary. Trapped in such a horrific scenario, who would be capable of contemplating the meaning of life? Frankl managed to maintain an extraordinary presence of mind and ability to stay centered, drawing lessons that later influenced and inspired much of the personal development movement up to this day, including figures like Tony Robbins. Many of the concepts in personal development stem from this book.
The fundamental principle of Frankl’s message is that you are the one who gives meaning to your life. Even in the most adverse situation, it is you who chooses to attribute an inspiring, motivating, and productive meaning to situations, thereby strengthening your personal power. The other choice is to attribute a counterproductive meaning, leading to a sense of powerlessness, resignation, and suffering.
At the beginning of our lives, others tell us what meaning to give to things and events, based on their own experiences, programming, and beliefs. But later on, we realize that we can choose for ourselves the meaning we attribute to what unfolds within our field of attention, and we can forge our own beliefs rather than regurgitate what we have been taught. Throughout life, we can continually rewrite our belief system, our ideas, and the associations of thoughts imprinted in our brains. We can reconfigure the meaning attributed to things, stories, past experiences, and events in general, to make them sources of inspiration, motivation, and empowerment that uplift us. It is the meaning we attribute to a situation, by considering it as an opportunity, that allows us to overcome it, bringing forth ideas and responses in our minds. We can therefore become aware that there are short, medium, and long-term implications to any meaning we attribute to something in our minds.
The meaning of life
The thought associations we form in response to a word or mental image contribute to defining its meaning. These associations often align with the "story" we attach to mental images in our imagination. When words group into sentences, the meaning becomes even more complex. Thus, faced with the same scenario, one person may see it as an insurmountable problem, while another sees an opportunity. Why? Because it all depends on the meaning each person assigns to the scenario, based on a belief system accepted as "true." Books like The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, What to Say When You Talk to Yourself, How to Be Your Own Best Friend, or Autobiography of a Yogi are valuable tools for rewriting the meaning we give to things. We spend our lives searching for joy and happiness outside ourselves. Yet, it is when well-being emerges from within that the field of possibilities opens up, and happiness transforms into a continuous and lasting process. Often, it is only after going through traumatic experiences, like Viktor Frankl, that we give a new meaning to "reality." Frankl cultivated a profound clarity of intention by finding meaning in his experience and passing it on to others to help them:
“The meaning of your life is to help others find meaning in theirs.”
We can contribute to the well-being of others in many ways: by encouraging them, sharing our experiences, offering quality services, or simply being a source of enthusiasm. Whether in the personal, professional, or artistic sphere, our goal should be to create "value" in the lives of those we touch. Your unique creativity can help others define what gives meaning to their lives. To do so, it is first essential to evaluate your own life and assign a positive meaning to everything in it: cultivating appreciation, wonder, and gratitude. Nothing is owed to us; nothing should be taken for granted. Assigning positive meaning even to the simplest things is a skill to cultivate, especially in difficult times. In any situation, we must evaluate our mental activity and the meaning we assign to circumstances. What kind of story are we telling ourselves to justify not considering another perspective or to give up? When we change from within, everything around us changes. Life is a transitory process of perpetual change. In the complexity of today's world, how do you choose to perceive it? Do you feel overwhelmed or rather excited and motivated?
We live in a time where all information is available and almost infinite. This means there is no excuse not to deepen our knowledge and understanding of ourselves, evolve, expand our consciousness, and learn new skills. This is a great source of power. If we cultivate neuroplasticity by continuing to learn and live new experiences, we will discover an ocean of possibilities. Routine is beneficial for learning and mastering a new skill, but most of the time, it also maintains old subconscious patterns. Breaking out of routine allows us to reprogram our subconscious, a difficult process if we cling to our habits while hoping for change at the same time.
An open mind remains receptive to novelty, both physically and mentally. Your beliefs and mental habits create your perception of "reality." It’s a simple law of cause and effect: your thoughts influence your emotions, which guide your actions. Science shows that those who have defined a clear life plan, a reason for living, not only live longer but also maintain a sharp and lucid mind as they age. In the absence of direction and meaning, the mind and body stiffen, motivation fades, and routine takes over. No one will decide for you to reprogram your subconscious and evolve. It is your responsibility; it is a choice.
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how” - Nietzsche.
The more a person forgets themselves by dedicating themselves to a cause, the more they actualize their being and evolve. It is the positive meaning they assign to their actions that allows them to work with joy and ease, fulfilling their life plan.
LOVE AND JOY
All the personalities who have positively contributed to the world and collective well-being passionately LOVED what they undertook. A person who loves what they do does not need to "force" themselves to achieve their dreams. The concept of love as depicted in the media and the "official" narrative differs from what we are discussing here. Generally, what people call love involves a strong emotional and physical attachment, possessiveness, control, codependency, eroticism, and novelty. This emotional state is often fragile and conditional. When this type of love is frustrated, it quickly reveals a selfish desire to control the other and an underlying masked anger, which then transforms into hatred.
The vibrational level of energy that Viktor Frankl speaks of is Unconditional Love, as described by Dr. Hawkins. This "Love" is unwavering and permanent, independent of external factors. It is more like an open, attentive presence to "things as they are." Loving becomes a nurturing, unifying, tolerant, reconciling, and encouraging state of being, an abundant energy drawn from within and radiating towards the world in the benevolent service of others. It is a very high level of consciousness, distinct from ordinary love.
Frankl also speaks of joy. According to Hawkins' model, the energy field of love is calibrated at 500, and that of joy at 540. Beyond 540 lies the realm of saints, masters, and authentic healers, characterized by unshakable peace, patience, and endurance, as well as invincible compassion even amidst torture. Few reach such a vibrational level like Frankl or certain enlightened individuals, but we can draw inspiration from them and work to continually refine our own energy field.
Frankl's peace and his global influence emerged from an unalienable faith, intuition, and love coming from within. The subjective meaning attributed to a situation can either open or close our eyes. Solutions and opportunities are always present; it is our perspective that needs to change, not others or the world. Trying to change others is akin to attempting to control the uncontrollable, an irrational hallucinatory delusion that borders on mental illness, yet is often considered "normal."
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" – Gospel of Matthew
Those we judge as "bad," "toxic," or "unhealthy" are often perceived through a negative lens, fueling resentment and hatred within us. Clinging to this meaning blocks us and disconnects us from our power. Letting go and forgiving is choosing happiness over unnecessary suffering which feeds our inner "hell." Cultivating negative emotions is akin to self-hatred. It is crucial to uncover our negative subconscious programs, often rooted in early childhood. The meaning attributed in our imagination to a static past (a movie replayed over and over in our heads) reproduces similar scenarios in the present, "attracting" the same circumstances and relationships.
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate."
All perspectives depend on our level of consciousness. We can open our minds with humility, allowing our beliefs to evolve and transform. This requires letting go of our cherished "identity," facilitated by reprogramming new, unforeseen meanings. It is a law of cause and effect. The meaning you assign to things is not necessarily valid for others. Everyone must experience their own inner realizations. You can be aligned with a mentality of abundance and success without being understood or approved by others. It doesn't matter. Respecting others and allowing them to follow their own journey is essential for their spiritual growth. Each personal meaning is always "true" for the person concerned at a given moment. Viktor Frankl invites us to reflect: Everyone is questioned and tested by life;
YOU ARE THE ONE WHO MUST CHOOSE WHAT MEANING TO GIVE TO YOUR LIFE.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO UNDERTAKE THINGS MUST COME FROM AN INNER CHOICE.
The Emotional Guidance Scale
The upward spiral corresponds to a fluid state of consciousness, allowing you to align with the flow of life by attributing inspiring and motivating meanings to things, events, and yourself. If you find yourself caught in the downward spiral, you will attribute negative meanings to things, events, and yourself, which generates a sense of victimhood, powerlessness, and discomfort, lowering your vibrational level and thus your ability to act rightly! The world is a mirror of your internal state: the meaning you assign to situations and others, as well as the emotions you nurture. It is impossible to truly love and value yourself while crushing or despising others or believing yourself superior (pride). Judging or hurting someone reveals what you do to yourself in the privacy of your own mind. The two are interlinked.
To fuel the upward spiral:
Take an inventory: Examine the meanings, beliefs, situations, your environment, your lifestyle, and your relationships, and check if all of these are aligned with your values and what you truly want to experience. Are you integral and coherent? Your vision, identity, principles, beliefs, abilities, words, behaviors, and actions must all be aligned. Organize your life around your values and consciously choose where and with whom you invest your attention, energy, and time.
Cultivate positive speech and thought: Be enthusiastic, optimistic, encouraging, and kind. Help others become aware of their power and countless abilities. See the world as a benevolent space, filled with constantly evolving opportunities. If you spread negativity, you program others' subconscious minds with ideas that propagate a sense of powerlessness. Manichean condemnations, judgments, and blame directed at the system, politics, human nature, the rich, or the poor have the effect of lowering the general vibrational level in you and around you.
Cultivate humor and a light heart: Stop taking everything too seriously, intellectualizing everything, and trying to understand and control everything. Reconnect with your inner child—flexible, open, and joyful. A sense of humor allows you to detach from the concepts, beliefs, and ideologies that lead you to identify with illusions.
Overcoming Fear and Seizing Opportunities
When an opportunity presents itself, do you feel fear or excitement? Do you view challenges as obstacles or as chances to get closer to your goals? In today’s world, opportunities abound, but fear and imagination can paralyze you. To overcome fear, it’s not about thinking, but about acting courageously, despite resistance. This becomes a repeated training, forming a habit. Letting go and acting are two sides of the same coin: either you cling to excuses and emotions that immobilize you, or you let go and take action. Thoughts and emotions of fear are often illusory, creating self-fulfilling prophecies. Consuming alarmist information fuels these fears and clouds the mind.
Napoleon Hill identifies six fundamental fears, such as the fear of criticism and poverty, which arise when considering a transformative decision.
Fear of Poverty: This fear can lead to uncertainty, indecision, and inaction, and may also result in physical and mental laziness, as well as a lack of ambition.
Fear of Failure: This fear can cause people to avoid taking risks or trying new things because they are afraid of not succeeding.
Fear of Loss: This fear can be stronger than the allure of gain, as people prefer to hold on to what they have, even if it means not taking risks or trying new things.
Fear of Humiliation: This fear can make people avoid situations where they might be judged or criticized, which can prevent them from making decisions and taking action.
Fear of Death: This fear can lead people to avoid taking risks and living fully, as they fear the loss of their life.
Fear of the Unknown: This fear can cause people to stay within their comfort zones and avoid trying new things because they fear the unknown consequences.
To free yourself from these fears, you must act: Dare to test your theories daily. Knowledge without action brings no real change. Avoid self-paralysis by dedicating 20% of your time to learning and 80% to concrete action.
Gregory Bateson’s levels of learning offer a useful framework for understanding our progression:
Level 0 – Memorization: If you only read or watch videos without taking action, you are merely memorizing concepts without integrating them. This approach keeps you in a novice position, without real experience. The meaning you assign to things remains superficial, borrowed from external sources. Without practical application, no significant change occurs, and your theories remain mere intellectual distractions. True learning involves 20% theory and 80% action; otherwise, you risk falling into sterile information consumption, which feeds fear and inaction.
Level 1 – Behavioral Change: The first real goal is behavioral change. This involves taking action: changing your habits, routines, schedule, diet, and priorities. This process is both exciting and stimulating, marking the beginning of conscious growth. When you act and create positive changes, you generate new momentum in your life, enriching both your well-being and that of others. The more your actions align with your learning, the more you assign clear and motivating meaning to your daily life.
Level 2 – Transformational Change: At this stage, you create an environment and relationships where positive changes reinforce each other. This momentum drives you to take actions in line with your life plan and values. By organizing all dimensions of your life around your vision, you begin to live in harmony with your “inner melody.” Your actions in the external world then reflect your inner transformations, bringing deeper meaning to your daily activities.
Level 3 – Evolutionary Change: The most advanced level, where lived experience leads to a profound reinterpretation of reality, causing a paradigm shift. Here, the meaning you assign to things, your self-image, and your worldview undergo deep transformation. Your actions are no longer just behavioral changes but acts that fundamentally transform your perception of reality and your way of interacting with the world.
CONCLUSION
Nothing and no one can take away the quality of our response to pain and adversity, which are inevitable. It is how we respond that matters. The inner meaning we assign to things is more powerful than any external situation. Our true character is revealed in our actions, and human kindness can always manifest in the most unexpected places.
You are the creator of the meaning you give to your life. You can choose meanings that inspire you and strengthen your sense of power (in the sense of the ability to do/act) or meanings that weaken and immobilize you. Creating meaning involves reflecting on your values and connecting your activities, goals, and life plan to the world and others. This process of reinvention is possible at any age and in any situation, as soon as you realize that it’s doable.
You have the power to define the meaning you assign to events, the past, information, people, and things. It’s a form of proactive subconscious reprogramming. The more you “take action,” exposing yourself to transformational environments and situations, the more you can create new meanings and refine the sense you give to your life. By contributing positively to the well-being of others and the world, you contribute to your own well-being.
To give meaning to your life, you must establish a trajectory, a direction. Then, by taking actions in that direction, you strengthen your level of confidence and courage, your self-esteem, and your self-respect, becoming less and less influenced by the opinions of others and the uncertainties of the world.
Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.
SOURCES & inspirations = Viktor Frankl ; Napoleon Hill ; Abraham Hicks ; Joseph Rodrigues
Comments