48 Powerful Quotes From “Man’s search for meaning” by Viktor Frankl

 

Hi there, today, we will delve into the profound pages of “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl to unearth 48 powerful and enlightening quotes. In this literary journey, we explore the essence of the human spirit, the quest for meaning, and the resilience of the human soul through the lens of Frankl’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps.

These “Man’s Search for Meaning Quotes” encapsulate the wisdom, hope, and inspiration that have made this book a timeless classic. So, let’s delve into these poignant words, each with a testament to the enduring capacity of individuals to find purpose even in the most challenging of circumstances.

 

 

About Viktor Frankl

 

Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor. He is best known for his profound work, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” which emerged from his experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Frankl’s personal suffering and observations of human behavior in extreme conditions inspired the development of logotherapy, a psychotherapeutic approach centered on the search for meaning in life. His enduring legacy lies in his ability to find hope and purpose in the midst of unimaginable suffering and his contributions to the understanding of the human capacity for resilience and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

 

Man's search for meaning summary

Read “Man’s search for meaning” Summary – In Depth Analysis

 

Man’s Search For Meaning Quotes 

 

 

 

1. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

 

 

2. “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.

 

3. “For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day, and from hour to hour.”

 

4. “Man is not destroyed by suffering; he is destroyed by suffering without meaning.”

 

 

5. “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

 

 

6. “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear with almost any ‘How'”.

 

 

7. “Don’t aim at success—the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself.”

 

 

8. “Live as if you were living already for the second time and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now!”

 

 

9. “The last of the human freedoms: to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

 

"Man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life."

 

 

10. “Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked.”

 

 

11. “Freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness.”

 

 

12. “When a man finds that it is his destiny to suffer, he will have to accept his suffering as his task; his single and unique task. He will have to acknowledge the fact that even in suffering he is unique and alone in the universe. No one can relieve him of his suffering or suffer in his place. His unique opportunity lies in the way in which he bears his burden.”

 

 

13. “In some ways, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.”

 

 

14. “If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be a meaning in suffering.”

 

 

15. “Man’s search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life and not a ‘secondary rationalization’ of instinctual drives. This meaning is unique and specific in that it must and can be fulfilled by him alone.”

 

 

16. “The true meaning of life is to be discovered in the world rather than within man or his own psyche, as though it were a closed system.”

 

 

17. “The meaning of life is to give life meaning.”

 

 

18. “The salvation of man is through love and in love.”

 

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances."

 

19. “A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life.”

 

 

20. “No one has the right to do wrong, not even if wrong has been done to them.”

 

 

21. “In our time, the ‘hidden existence’ of the human being, the ‘unconscious’ as modern psychology calls it, has again become an unfathomable abyss.”

 

 

22. “Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.”

 

 

23. “Man’s main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life.”

 

 

24. “The more one forgets himself—by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love—the more human he is.”

 

 

25. “The existential vacuum manifests itself mainly in a state of boredom.”

 

 

26. “Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death. Without suffering and death, human life cannot be complete.”

 

 

27. “Each man is questioned by life, and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life, he can only respond by being responsible.”

 

"Those who have a 'why' to live can bear with almost any 'how.'"

 

28. “Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked.”

 

 

29. “What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him.”

 

 

30. “One should not search for an abstract meaning of life. Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life to carry out, a concrete assignment which demands fulfillment.”

 

 

31. “Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself.”

 

 

32. “The striving to find a meaning in one’s life is the primary motivational force in man.”

 

 

33. “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread.”

 

 

34. “The uniqueness and singleness which distinguishes each individual and gives a meaning to his existence has a bearing on creative work as much as it does on human love.”

 

 

35. “Man’s concern, even his despair, over the worthwhileness of life is an existential distress, but by no means a mental disease.”

 

 

36. “The true meaning of life is to be discovered in the world rather than within man or his own psyche.”

 

"The last of the human freedoms is to choose one's attitudes."

 

37. “Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning.”

 

 

38. “Love goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds its deepest meaning in his spiritual being, his inner self.”

 

 

39. “If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be a meaning in suffering. Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death.”

 

 

40. “A man’s concern, even his despair, over the worthwhileness of life is an existential distress but by no means a mental disease.”

 

 

41. “It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us.”

 

 

42. “Live as if you were living already for the second time and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now!”

 

 

43. “The world is in a bad state, but everything will become still worse unless each of us does his best.”

 

 

44. “I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love.”

 

 

45. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

 

"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

 

 

46. “In some ways, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.”

 

 

47. “It is not freedom from conditions, but it is freedom to take a stand toward the conditions.”

 

 

48. “There is nothing in the world, I venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions as the knowledge that there is a meaning in one’s life.”

 

 

Read “Man’s search for meaning” Summary – In Depth Analysis

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

In conclusion, “Man’s Search for Meaning Quotes” , drawn from Viktor Frankl’s profound work, offer a glimpse into the depths of human resilience and the enduring quest for purpose, even in the most harrowing of circumstances. These 73 powerful quotes serve as poignant reminders of the indomitable human spirit’s capacity to rise above suffering and find meaning. Frankl’s insights, forged in the crucible of the Holocaust, continue to inspire and resonate with readers across generations. They remind us that within the pages of his book lie not only quotes but profound wisdom – a testament to the enduring relevance of “Man’s Search for Meaning” in our search for purpose and hope.

 

 

FAQs

 

1. What are some of the most famous quotes from “Man’s Search for Meaning”?

 

*Some of the most famous quotes from the book include: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves” and “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

 

 

2. How did Viktor Frankl’s experiences in the Holocaust influence the quotes in the book?

 

*Viktor Frankl’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps profoundly influenced the quotes in the book. They reflect his observations of human behavior in extreme suffering and his belief in the importance of finding meaning even in the most dire circumstances.

 

 

3. Can you provide quotes from the book that emphasize the importance of finding meaning in life?

 

*Certainly! Here are a few quotes that emphasize the importance of finding meaning: “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose” and “For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day, and from hour to hour.”

 

 

4. Are there any quotes from Viktor Frankl about the resilience of the human spirit?

 

*Yes, there are several. One notable quote is: “What is to give light must endure burning.” This speaks to the idea that even in suffering, the human spirit can shine brightly.

 

 

5. How do the quotes in “Man’s Search for Meaning” inspire readers to reflect on their own lives?

 

*The quotes in the book inspire readers to reflect on their own lives by encouraging them to examine their attitudes, find meaning in their challenges, and recognize the power of choice in shaping their responses to life’s circumstances.

 

 

6. Can you share quotes from Viktor Frankl that highlight the concept of “tragic optimism”?

 

*Of course! Here’s a quote that embodies “tragic optimism”: “In some ways, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.”

 

 

7.What are some quotes from Viktor Frankl that address the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment?

 

*Viktor Frankl’s quotes addressing the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment include: “Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue,” and “Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue.”

 

 

8. How do the quotes in “Man’s Search for Meaning” resonate with readers seeking a deeper understanding of life’s purpose?

 

*The quotes resonate with such readers by inviting them to contemplate the search for meaning, the importance of resilience, and the power of choosing one’s attitude. They encourage introspection and a deeper exploration of life’s purpose.

 

 

9. Can you provide quotes from Viktor Frankl that inspire hope in challenging times?

 

*Certainly! Here’s one: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” This quote reminds us of the enduring power of our inner choices, even in adversity.

 

 

10. How can readers incorporate the wisdom from these quotes into their daily lives?

 

*Readers can incorporate the wisdom by reflecting on these quotes and applying them to their own lives. They can strive to find meaning in their experiences, choose positive attitudes, and recognize their inner freedom to shape their responses to life’s challenges.

 

 

11.Are there any specific quotes that highlight the importance of suffering in the search for meaning?

 

*Yes, Viktor Frankl’s quotes emphasize the role of suffering in the search for meaning. For example, he wrote, “What is to give light must endure burning,” underscoring that suffering can be a transformative experience that leads to greater understanding and purpose.

 

 

12. Can you share quotes that address the concept of “logotherapy” and its significance in Viktor Frankl’s work?

 

*Certainly! One quote that speaks to the significance of logotherapy is: “Man’s main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life.” This reflects the core idea of logotherapy, which is the search for meaning as a central human motivation.

 

 

13. How do Viktor Frankl’s quotes encourage readers to focus on the present moment and the choices they make?

 

*Frankl’s quotes inspire mindfulness and present-moment awareness. For instance, “Live as if you were living already for the second time and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now!” urges readers to make conscious choices and embrace the power of the present.

 

 

14. Are there any quotes from Viktor Frankl that relate to the idea of finding meaning in work and vocation?

 

*Yes, Frankl emphasized the significance of finding meaning in work. A notable quote is: “Don’t aim at success—the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself.”

 

15. How can readers use these quotes as a source of inspiration for personal growth and resilience?

 

*These quotes can serve as daily reminders of the importance of resilience and personal growth. By reflecting on them, readers can draw inspiration to face life’s challenges with greater strength, a positive attitude, and a commitment to discovering meaning in their journeys.

 

16. What is the significance of Viktor Frankl’s quotes for individuals struggling with existential questions and crises of meaning?

 

*Frankl’s quotes offer solace and guidance to those grappling with existential questions. They encourage individuals to explore their inner worlds, confront the void of meaning, and recognize their freedom to shape their responses, ultimately helping them find purpose and hope even in times of crisis.

 

17. Can you provide quotes that emphasize the value of relationships and human connection in Viktor Frankl’s philosophy?

 

*Absolutely! Frankl’s quotes underscore the importance of relationships. For instance, “Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality” reflects his belief in the transformative power of genuine human connections in the search for meaning.

 

18. How can readers use these quotes as daily affirmations to cultivate a more meaningful and purposeful life?

 

*Readers can select quotes that resonate with them and use them as daily affirmations. By regularly reflecting on these affirmations, individuals can reinforce the principles of resilience, choice, and meaning in their lives, gradually cultivating a more meaningful and purposeful existence.

 

 

19. Are there quotes from Viktor Frankl that offer insights into the relationship between suffering and personal growth?

 

*Yes, Frankl’s quotes illuminate the connection between suffering and personal growth. For example, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves,” underscores how suffering can catalyze personal transformation and the discovery of inner strength.

 

 

20. How can these quotes inspire readers to lead lives of greater significance and contribution to society?

 

*These quotes can inspire readers to reflect on their values and the impact they want to make. By internalizing the principles of meaning and choice, individuals can align their lives with purpose and contribute to society in ways that reflect their deepest convictions and aspirations.

 

These FAQs and answers offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact of quotes from “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, highlighting their relevance in addressing existential questions, cultivating resilience, and fostering a more meaningful and purposeful life.

 

Happy Reading!

 

 

.

Spread the love

107 thoughts on “48 Powerful Quotes From “Man’s search for meaning” by Viktor Frankl”

  1. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating
    it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you
    might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog
    and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

    I saw similar here: Sklep internetowy

    Reply
  2. Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog
    to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.

    If you know of any please share. Kudos! You can read similar art here:
    Dobry sklep

    Reply
  3. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help
    with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
    If you know of any please share. Cheers! You can read similar blog here: Ecommerce

    Reply
  4. Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just
    extremely fantastic. I really like what you have acquired
    here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you
    say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for
    to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you.

    This is actually a wonderful web site.

    Also visit my blog – vpn special coupon

    Reply
  5. Many thanks for posting this, It?s just what I was researching for on bing. I?d so much comparatively hear opinions from a person, barely than an organization internet page, that?s why I like blogs so significantly. Many thanks!

    Reply
  6. Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent blog and wonderful style and design.

    Reply
  7. Well, the article is in reality the finest on this worthw hile topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and also will certainly thirstily look forward to your approaching updates. Just saying thanks will certainly not simply just be enough, for the massive lucidity in your writing. I definitely will directly grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any kind of updates. Admirable work and much success in your business enterprize!

    Reply
  8. hello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to see you.

    Reply
  9. Thank you for each of your effort on this web site. My niece takes pleasure in managing internet research and it’s really easy to see why. My partner and i notice all relating to the dynamic form you make very useful thoughts on your website and as well as boost participation from some others on the point then our favorite simple princess is truly starting to learn a lot of things. Have fun with the rest of the year. You’re the one carrying out a splendid job.

    Reply
  10. Great humans speeches and toasts, possibly toasts. are hands down transferred at some time through party and expected to turn into very funny, amusing not to mention educational in the mean time. best man wedding speeches

    Reply
  11. There are a few interesting points soon enough in the following paragraphs but I don’t determine if I see these people center to heart. There is some validity but I’m going to take hold opinion until I consider it further. Great write-up , thanks and now we want far more! Added to FeedBurner at the same time

    Reply
  12. Me gustaría decir lo que una ayuda para encontrar a alguien que sabe realmente lo que son hablar acerca de internet. Definitivamente sabe consejos transmitir un problema a la luz y hacer importantes. Más individuos deben leer y comprender este aspecto de la historia. No puedo considero youre no más común porque tiene sin duda el regalo.

    Reply
  13. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

    Reply
  14. I discovered your blog site on the internet and appearance a few of your early posts. Always keep inside the very good operate. I merely extra increase your Rss to my MSN News Reader. Looking for toward reading a lot more by you down the line!…

    Reply
  15. Aw, this has been a very good post. In idea I have to devote writing this way additionally – spending time and actual effort to generate a top notch article… but exactly what do I say… I procrastinate alot and by no indicates seem to go accomplished.

    Reply
  16. You were quite interesting.. But sadly I didnrrrt trust them much :/ Although I might disagree I still give you support as how confident you are on your writing lol

    Reply
  17. Thanks for your entire efforts on this site. My mum loves engaging in investigation and it’s really simple to grasp why. Many of us learn all regarding the compelling method you make helpful tips and tricks by means of your blog and therefore improve contribution from others on the subject matter then my daughter is without a doubt becoming educated a whole lot. Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year. You are performing a splendid job.

    Reply
  18. I not to mention my friends were actually examining the good tips and tricks on your web site then before long I had a horrible suspicion I had not thanked you for those strategies. All of the young boys appeared to be for that reason very interested to study all of them and have in actuality been loving these things. I appreciate you for truly being simply considerate and also for pick out some impressive information millions of individuals are really eager to discover. Our sincere apologies for not expressing appreciation to you earlier.

    Reply
  19. It was something of great contentment getting to your site recently. I arrived here this day hoping to find out something new. I was not disappointed. Your ideas on new strategies on this area were enlightening and a fantastic help to me personally. Thank you for creating time to write down these things as well as for sharing your ideas.

    Reply
  20. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

    Reply
  21. Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search
    Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my site to
    rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Cheers! You can read similar blog
    here: Best escape rooms

    Reply
  22. I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your website and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

    Reply
  23. Thank you for all your efforts on this web page. My daughter take interest in getting into investigations and it’s simple to grasp why. Almost all notice all concerning the compelling method you provide useful suggestions by means of this website and even increase contribution from other people on the issue plus my daughter has always been starting to learn a lot. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You are always carrying out a great job.

    Reply
  24. An impressive share, I merely with all this onto a colleague who had previously been carrying out a small analysis on this. And hubby the fact is bought me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him.. smile. So i want to reword that: Thnx for that treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending some time to talk about this, I feel strongly about it and enjoy reading much more about this topic. If it is possible, as you grow expertise, do you mind updating your blog site to comprehend details? It really is highly great for me. Big thumb up because of this post!

    Reply
  25. I have been browsing online greater than 3 hours lately, yet I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours. It’s beautiful value enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the internet shall be much more useful than ever before!

    Reply
  26. Walking out and about into the Online marketing arena can be quite a overwhelming endeavor for lawyer search engine optimization that novice internet business small business owner. These we outline twelve with a vey important details that will keep in mind making plans for the first plan.

    Reply
  27. Whats up very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..

    I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?
    I’m satisfied to search out so many useful info right here in the post, we want work
    out more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing.
    . . . . .

    My webpage … Seo Hawk

    Reply
  28. Free games online… […]When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks![…]…

    Reply
  29. You made some really good points there. I looked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

    Reply
  30. An impressive share, I just now given this onto a colleague who had previously been conducting a little analysis during this. And he the fact is bought me breakfast due to the fact I ran across it for him.. smile. So allow me to reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending any time to talk about this, I’m strongly about it and really like reading regarding this topic. If it is possible, as you grow expertise, do you mind updating your site with a lot more details? It is highly of great help for me. Big thumb up just for this blog post!

    Reply
  31. I would like to express thanks to you just for rescuing me from such a circumstance. Because of exploring through the online world and meeting recommendations which were not helpful, I figured my life was done. Being alive devoid of the strategies to the issues you have solved all through the write-up is a serious case, and ones which might have adversely affected my career if I hadn’t discovered your web blog. Your primary ability and kindness in handling every aspect was very useful. I am not sure what I would’ve done if I had not come upon such a step like this. I am able to at this time look forward to my future. Thank you so much for this skilled and amazing help. I won’t hesitate to recommend your web sites to any person who desires support about this subject matter.

    Reply
  32. It absolutely was any exhilaration finding your site yesterday evening. We arrived here these days seeking something totally new. I used to be not disappointed. Your opinions on brand new approaches on this factor were helpful as well as an superb help to me personally. Appreciate leaving out time to write out these items and for discussing your thoughts.

    Reply
  33. After study many of the websites for your website now, and I genuinely much like your technique for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and you will be checking back soon. Pls consider my web site likewise and let me know what you consider.

    Reply
  34. You’re so awesome! I don’t think I’ve truly read something like that before. So nice to discover another person with some genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality.

    Reply
  35. Can I just say what a reduction to find somebody who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know the way to bring an issue to gentle and make it important. More folks must read this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre no more standard since you undoubtedly have the gift.

    Reply
  36. Aw, it was a really good post. In idea I would like to devote writing such as this additionally – taking time and actual effort to generate a great article… but exactly what do I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get something done.

    Reply
  37. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help
    with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my website to
    rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing
    very good gains. If you know of any please share. Kudos! You can read similar text here: blogexpander.com

    Reply

Leave a Comment