Recently, the practical side of human values came up in a dialogue. An important topic especially at this time in history, yet so misunderstood. Let me share a "practical" perspective that is grounded in my meaning-centered work:
Viktor Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning, articulated three "sources of meaning" that were each based on ACTUALIZING VALUES:
- Actualizing Creative Values, that is, people derive meaning from creating something, something of value;
- Actualizing Experiential Values, that is, people derive meaning from experiencing things and encountering others;
- Actualizing Attitudinal Values, that is, people derive meaning from how they perceive and respond to different life situations, especially from inevitable or inescapable suffering.
Viktor Frankl writes of his own experience: "It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life -- daily, hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. 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."
Frankl's "will to meaning," moreover, can be described as a person's authentic commitment to meaningful values and goals. This is how I refer to it in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts. I recently did a podcast called The Meaning Difference. It talks about the book and also describes how Viktor Frankl's principles are being put into practice by organizations and in the lives of individuals to find deeper meaning and fulfillment.
What is the source of meaning and fulfillment in your life?
How is life questioning you at this time?
Meaning-fully,
Alex
Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
author, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
founder, Center for Meaning
Santa Fe, NM USA www.themeaningdifference.com
Come visit the Viktor Frankl Collection at the Global Dialogue Center; I look forward to seeing you!
Share your thoughts on the Exploring the Meaning Difference Survey
Also listen to my recent podcast at the Global Dialogue Center
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