Why Meaning Matters: What Viktor Frankl Can Teach Us About Mental Strength
What gives us strength when life gets hard?
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, believed that meaning — not comfort — is what keeps us going. In a time of rising mental struggle, his insights offer a powerful reminder: even in darkness, purpose can light the way.
Caption: Viktor Frankl, from Wikipedia under Creative Common lisence
Who Was Viktor Frankl?
Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist born in 1905, left behind a legacy of profound ideas — not only in psychology but also in the realm of human spirituality. He is best known for developing logotherapy, a groundbreaking psychotherapeutic approach centered on the search for meaning in life. Frankl himself became a powerful example of how one can find strength and purpose even under the most inhumane conditions.
A Prisoner in Nazi Concentration Camps
During World War II, Frankl was deported to Nazi concentration camps, where he witnessed unimaginable suffering and cruelty. In the midst of this hellish reality, he began observing the behavior of fellow prisoners. He noticed a pattern: those who held on to a sense of purpose or meaning were more likely to survive — and to maintain their mental resilience — despite the horrors around them.
Finding Meaning in Suffering
This experience became the foundation for Frankl’s theory that even in the darkest of circumstances, we can find meaning. It wasn’t about intellectualizing pain, but about discovering a deeper, spiritual understanding of one’s existence. For Frankl, suffering was not just something to be endured — it could also be a pathway to personal growth and inner strength.
Three Ways to Discover Meaning
According to Frankl, meaning can be found in three primary ways:
Through work or creative action
Through love and relationships
Through facing suffering with dignity and courage
He also emphasized the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s choices and attitudes, regardless of external circumstances.
A Message That Still Matters
Frankl’s teachings remain deeply relevant in today’s world. In an age marked by uncertainty, anxiety, and inner struggles, his wisdom reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is potential for light — if we choose to seek meaning and direction. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he has touched, and in those who continue to find comfort and insight in his work.
Final Reflections
I believe Frankl’s ideas reveal something truly fundamental about how we think and live. At a time when mental health issues are on the rise — especially among young people — we need tools that help us tap into our own inner resources. While many suffer due to difficult environments, few of us have faced anything close to the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. Frankl’s message is clear: it’s not just about how life treats us, but how we respond to it. Our mindset shapes our experience, and we hold the responsibility for our emotional response — even when circumstances are harsh. I genuinely believe Frankl’s perspective can help strengthen mental health today, and I wholeheartedly recommend his book Man’s Search for Meaning — a powerful read that offers deep insight into both psychology and the human spirit under extreme conditions.