Viktor Frankl and the Purpose of Life: Finding Meaning in Suffering

Introduction: The Answer to Why We Must Live

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” This maxim of Nietzsche is a core message that runs through the life of psychologist Viktor Frankl. A survivor of the hellish reality of the Nazi Auschwitz concentration camp, he testifies that he did not just survive because he was ‘lucky’, but because he had a ‘meaning to live for’.

‘Logotherapy’, which was established after his death, brought a huge turning point to modern psychology. Today, through Frankl’s insights, we will look at how we can rediscover the purpose of life in dire emptiness and suffering.

1. Logotherapy: The Will to Meaning

If Freud emphasized the ‘will to pleasure’ and Adler emphasized the ‘will to power’, Viktor Frankl saw the most fundamental motivation of humans as the ‘Will to Meaning’.

Humans are not just beings who satisfy instinctive needs or overcome inferiority complexes. We gain true vitality only when we find a ‘reason’ for why our existence is necessary and why we must do this work. According to Frankl, many psychological problems experienced by modern people often stem from ‘existential conflict (absence of meaning)’ rather than being a disease.

2. Three Ways to Discover Meaning

Frankl said that the meaning of life is not something we invent, but something we ‘discover’ in the world. He presented three specific ways to find meaning:

Creative Value: Meaning obtained by creating something or completing a task. (e.g., artistic activities, professional achievements)
Experiential Value: Meaning obtained by experiencing the beauty of nature, cultural experiences, or loving someone. (e.g., travel, deep bonds)
Attitudinal Value: Meaning obtained through the ‘attitude’ of deciding how to accept the ordeal when facing an unchangeable fate or ordeal.

The third ‘Attitudinal Value’ is the essence of Logotherapy. Even in a situation where we can do nothing, the freedom to choose what kind of person to be in that situation (the last freedom) still remains with us.

3. Existential Vacuum and ‘Sunday Neurosis’

The ‘emptiness’ experienced by many in modern society was called ‘Existential Vacuum’ by Frankl. This occurs when one does not know “What should I do?” in a situation where instinct does not teach and tradition does not command.

Depression that suddenly rushes in when it becomes a Sunday without any plans after working busily all week, namely ‘Sunday neurosis’, is a representative symptom. To solve this, you must listen to the questions your life throws at you, rather than trying to fill the vacuum with external stimuli.

4. The Moment Suffering Becomes an ‘Ordeal’

Frankl said, “Suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning.” The sadness felt when losing a loved one becomes evidence of love for that person, and the frustration from failure becomes nourishment for greater growth.

The ordeal itself is not important, but our fate changes depending on ‘what meaning we bestow’ to that ordeal. When we redefine an ordeal as an opportunity for growth, we can finally stand tall as the master of life, not as a slave of the environment.

Conclusion: Life is Asking You a Question

We often ask, “What is the meaning of my life?” But Viktor Frankl advises changing the direction of the question. In fact, life is throwing questions at us every day, and we are beings who must answer those questions through action and responsibility.

No matter how difficult the situation you face today is, there is a unique meaning hidden within it that only you can discover. Discover the reason why you must live. That reason will lead you to a path that shines brilliantly even in the darkest night.

Read More: