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Man's Search for Meaning Audiobook
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Publisher Description
As relevant today as it was when it was first published, Man’s Search for Meaning is a book for finding strength and purpose in times of great despair.
“This is a book I reread a lot … it gives me hope … it gives me a sense of strength.”—Anderson Cooper, Anderson Cooper 360/CNN
Viktor E. Frankl was a medical doctor at a psychiatric hospital in 1942 when he became a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps in World War II. In 1946, he published this book about his camp experiences and a method of psychotherapy he developed. Forty-five years later, it was still named one of the most influential books in the United States.
Part One describes his three years in four Nazi concentration camps, which took the lives of his wife, father, mother, and brother. He closely observed inmates’ reactions to their situation, as well as how survivors came to terms with their liberation.
Part Two, introducing logotherapy, is an academic discussion of the psychological reactions experienced by all inmates to one degree or another. It solidified Frankl’s early theory that humanity’s primary motivational force is finding meaning in one’s life.
In Germany, titled Ein Psychologe erlebt das Konzentrationslager, or A Psychologist Experiences the Concentration Camp, its title in the first English translation was From Death-Camp to Existentialism. As of 2022, this book has sold 16 million copies and been published in 52 languages.
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"One of the most inspiring and moving books. Frankl is a very positive and strong writer who survived ww2, he talks about the philosophy of meaning an being. The questions he raises are very bold and striking. One of the best holocaust books out there! Highly recommended."
— Dalal (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“An enduring work of survival literature.”
— New York Times -
“This is a book I reread a lot…it gives me hope…it gives me a sense of strength.”
— Anderson Cooper
Man's Search for Meaning Listener Reviews
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" I was pensive for two straight days upon completion. "
— Elle, 2/17/2014 -
" I especially loved the first part of the book and I am definitely going to read it again. "
— Pavol, 1/30/2014 -
" Definitely an inspiring read about a man and his ideas of why he survived Nazi concentration camps. "
— Becky, 1/26/2014 -
" Inspiring way to look at life. I use this in my classes when teaching about positive psychology. "
— Marianne, 1/23/2014 -
" A very intriguing look at suffering. Always an opportunity to grow. I don't agree what he sees as the ultimate meaning of life; however, I do applaud his optimistic attitude and am humbled by his commitment to his fellow man. We can all learn much from his story. "
— Emily, 1/18/2014 -
" This book changed my life, and gave me a better way to understand and interact with my own existence. Frankl's undying optimism, even in the face of tragedy, is both realistic and inspiring. I can't recommend this book highly enough. "
— Patrick, 1/16/2014 -
" Read as part of an existential reading group, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unrelenting horror still inspires and intrigues two years later. "
— Jamie, 1/5/2014 -
" Really an interesting book! Definitely recommend reading! "
— Lauren, 12/27/2013 -
" A powerful read. "
— Jeff, 12/15/2013 -
" This book changed my life when I read it about 15 years ago. "
— Ann, 11/6/2013 -
" A book to treasure, share and learn from "
— Rosemary, 10/29/2013 -
" This is a must-read book for every single human being, as it shows what we are capable of, for better or for worse. "
— Thomas, 5/14/2013 -
" Amazing. I need to read 3 more times and underline some passages. I'm loath to call it self-help, but it is that- and more. "
— Molly, 12/10/2012 -
" This will change your life, and put you on the path to meaning. "
— World-weary, 9/21/2012 -
" powerful for anyone who is curious about the power of mind over matter "
— Alison, 4/17/2012 -
" This book was so interesting to read. Viktor talks about his experiences in concentration camps in psychological terms. It has changed my view on life. I only give it 4 stars because at times the book was hard for me to read because of his terminology. "
— Leanne, 5/23/2011 -
" Profound. While I would not say that it changed my fundamental outlook on life, meaning, or suffering, I would say that it corrected my perspective back towards an outlook that I've always had. A book that I will almost certainly read again. "
— Jordan, 5/22/2011 -
" This book changed my outlook on life when I was 18 and going through some hard times and helped put my life in perspective. I recommend to anyone who questions their life, morals and values. "
— Tristan, 5/16/2011 -
" I learned a lot from this book. Victor Frankl's account of life in the concentration camp is heart-rending and deeply insightful. I recommend it to anyone. "
— Craig, 5/11/2011 -
" Interesting combination of memoir and standoffish observation of horrific events. Really appreciated some of the insights and conclusions but sort of an odd read overall. "
— Michelle, 5/11/2011 -
" For me, Frankel's book is an exceptionally lucid, accessible exploration of existential philosophy--and this, in the setting of a Nazi concentration camp. Required reading for anyone leading an examined life.<br/> "
— David, 5/9/2011 -
" I have no words...<br/><br/>This book put a lot in perspective for me. Everyone should read it. "
— Kerri, 5/9/2011 -
" Written while in a Nazi concentration camp this book beautifully explains our constant search for meaning. "
— Tara, 5/9/2011 -
" I actually read this book a few years ago. This is another book I plan to re-read. Excellent book. "
— Julie, 5/8/2011 -
" THIS BOOK HELPED ME WITH FORGIVING THOSE WHO HURT ME. "
— Gary, 5/2/2011 -
" Dom: Second time I have read this book. Re-read it this time because it came up in a psych class I am taking. I think I appreciated it a lot more from this new perspective. "
— Dom&Karen, 5/2/2011 -
" Reread this for the first time since college. The most compelling part, of course, is how Dr. Frankl survived the Nazis. However, the logotherapy section is also interesting. Perhaps it is better suited for a more serious student of psychology, but I appreciated what Frankl was trying to convey. "
— Teresa, 4/29/2011
About Viktor E. Frankl
Viktor E. Frankl (1905–1997) was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist and a survivor of the Holocaust. He became one of the great psychotherapists of the twentieth century. He published more than forty books, lectured and taught seminars all over the world, and received numerous awards and honorary degrees. His interest in psychology began as a teenager. He earned a degree as a medical doctor and served at a psychiatric hospital. In 1942, he and his family were sent to Nazi concentration camps, where his wife, father, mother, and brother perished. After his release, he became a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of Vienna Medical School and was head of the neurological department of the Vienna Polyclinic Hospital for twenty-five years. He wrote works on philosophy, psychotherapy, and neurology, including the international bestseller Man's Search for Meaning, based on his experiences as a concentration camp prisoner. He was the founder of the school of logotherapy, which came to be called the third Viennese School of Psychotherapy, after Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis and Alfred Adler's individual psychology.
About Theo Solomon
Theo Solomon is an Earphones Award–winning narrator who has worked extensively on stage, on screen, and behind the mic. He has performed across London and Nottingham, and his television work includes roles on Temple and Enterprice.