Man's Search for Meaning: The Classic Tribute to Hope from the Holocaust / Viktor E. Frankl

Mans Search For Meaning is the autobiographical account of Viktor E. Frankls harrowing experiences in various concentration camps during the Holocaust.

Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist who hailed from Vienna. In 1942, he was sent to a concentration camp for the first time. Between 1942 to 1945, when he was finally freed by the Americans, he spent life at four different concentration camps. During this period, he lost his parents, his pregnant wife, and his brother to the gruesome concentration camps.

During his stay at the concentration camps, Frankl observed the behavior of the other inmates. His observations gave him deep insights into human behavior and life. He began to notice that the inmates who helped and provided solace to others managed to endure the trauma and lived to see another day. On the other hand, the inmates who let themselves be physically and mentally overpowered by the traumatizing circumstances did not survive long.

He observed that the external influences of the camp did not influence a prisoner as much as the strength of his or her inner self. This drove him to the conclusion that those prisoners who gradually let go of their inner selves eventually succumbed to the horrors of the concentration camp. But those who held on to their inner strength, managed to survive even the most trying experiences.

Frankl discovered that mans ultimate desire in life is to search for purpose-a purpose that resonates with his desire to live.

Through his book, Frankl offers readers the insight that suffering cannot be avoided, it can only be conquered. He insists one must learn to cope with struggles positively, find meaning in them, and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

In 1997, at the time of Frankls demise, the book had sold over 10 million copies in 24 languages. It remains a highly influential book to date.