Do you believe Victor Frankel is/was right in his beliefs on Mankind?

Answer 1

The quote 'He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how' is actually from Friedrich Nietzche, though it is very key to Frankl's philosophy.

The question here might be more specific. While Freudian psychoanalysis was concerned with the 'will to pleasure' and Adlerian psychology focused on the 'will to power', Victor Frankl went on to found the Third Viennese School, 'logotherapy', which centralised the importance of the 'will to meaning' in people's lives.

Frankl was not the first person to point out that, even in the most extreme cases of human plight, one yet has a choice as to how they define the meaning of their existence. Many victims of torture and persecution find this 'last of the human freedoms' that Frankl speaks of, 'to choose one's attitude in any given set of
circumstances, to choose one's own way.'

Frankl's arguments have much in common with both later existential philosophy and the humanistic psychology espoused and developed by Carl Rogers among others. That client-centred therapy is now the norm shows to just what extent Frankl's views have been incorporated into society. The meaning of life is generally regarded now as a uniquely personal thing.

I think therefore that Victor Frankl's views have been very constructive. But I think most people, and cultural/societal factors influence us strongly, seek pleasure first and power second and then, maybe, we move on to seek meaning in our lives. Keep thinking x

Answer 2

I loved "Man's Search For Meaning." (Viktor Frankl) Which beliefs in particular are you referring to?

My favorite quote from the book is, "A man who has a 'why' to live for can survive almost any 'how'."

Answer 3

He was a wonderful and wise man.

Answer 4

never heard of him.