VIKTOR FRANKL: A Legacy Remembered

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On September 2, 2007, it will be ten years since Dr. Viktor Frankl passed on.  It was the same week in 1997 when Princess Diana was killed in a tragic automobile accident (on Sunday, August 31st) and when Mother Teresa died (on Friday, September 5th).  Dr. Frankl's death occurred in the middle of this week--on Tuesday.  Indeed, it was a very strange week for the world, a week of significant loss when one considers the humanitarian influence that each of these individuals had brought to bear during their respective life times.

Beyond the Media Infatuations
As we approach each of these three milestone dates and reflect upon the lives and legacies of Princess Diana, Dr. Frankl, and Mother Teresa, it is worth noting that only Dr. Frankl's memory and contributions to humankind seem to get overlooked by the mass media.  For me, it is a case of "deja vu" all over again!  During the first week of September 1997, the death of Princess Diana was the news, overshadowing the deaths of both Dr. Frankl and Mother Teresa.  Ten years later, not much has changed.  The infatuation with the life and death of Princess Diana has, once again, moved to center stage in both the printed and electronic media.  On television, for example, one can now watch "Diana's Last Day" or, for those who would like a more longitudinal view, "Princess Diana: The Legend and Legacy."  From a conspiracy perspective, there is even a television program that purports to document "The Murder of Princess Diana."

In death, Mother Teresa has also caught the media's attention as we approach this historic week of "anniversaries."  Most notably, Mother Teresa graces the front cover of the September 3, 2007, issue of Time Magazine, and is the subject of a much debated cover story entitled, "The Secret Life of Mother Teresa," wherein it is reported that she had, at times, questioned her faith.  Interestingly, this same issue of Time also includes an essay on "The Diana Effect."  Let's face it, you can't escape the near obsession that the media has with the late Princess!

As I write this posting, I am still waiting to come across some media coverage of the life and legacy of Viktor Frankl.  I think that it will be fascinating to see what kind of attention to Dr. Frankl and his life/work may surface in the various "mass" media.  In this connection, I call on everyone who reads this blog to keep your eyes open for such occurrences and please-please-please let me and everyone else know what you find by contributing to this forum.

A Legacy Remembered
If there was ever a time to remember and pay tribute to the life and work of Viktor Frankl, we're living in it now.  Indeed, the search for meaning has been called a "megatrend" of the 21st Century, a time when the inherent value of human existence seems to be held together by mere threads.  We live in world that seems to be in delicate balance with impending disaster poking its head around every corner.  Even the resiliency of humankind is at risk, along with the survival of the humble planet upon which all humans take their sustenance. 

Not wanting, however, to sound entirely like a messenger of gloom, let me resurrect the wisdom of Viktor Frankl and offer an antidote to the existential dilemma that now plagues our postmodern world.  It's time to live and work, individually and collectively, with an explicit focus on meaning.  As Dr. Frankl has firmly established in his System of Logotherapy, and as I have argued persuasively in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, it is the will to meaning, not either the will to pleasure or the will to power, that ultimately must be realized if we are to create a better world for ourselves and a better world for all. 

It is important to underscore that the notion of meaning, as used here, is derived from the ancient Greek word, "logos," which, not coincidentally, is the root of both Frankl's "Logotherapy" and the key word (and powerful communication process), "dialogue."  Because the concept of logos also has deep spiritual roots--besides being commonly referred to as "meaning," it also can be translated from the Greek as "spirit"--both Logotherapy and the process of dialogue can be interpreted as practical tools for spiritual transformation.  To a great extent, this is why I have proposed that Dr. Frankl not only "humanized" psychotherapy (and, for that matter, the practice of medicine), but also "spiritualized" it as well.

Viktor Frankl, to be sure, leaves a profound legacy.  Throughout his life and his work, he reminds us that we all have important work to do, that whatever we do is important, and that there is meaning everywhere, all the time.  Each of us, however, is personally responsible for discovering the seeds of meaning in whatever our circumstance, whatever our challenge.  And remember, these seeds of meaning--as opposed to strict reliance on pleasure and power principles--hold the promise for a better world for all. 

In the final analysis, whether or not the mass media chooses to acknowledge the tenth anniversary of Viktor Frankl's passing, I sincerely hope that YOU do.  Please, pay attention and remember the significance of Dr. Frankl's life, work, and legacy at this critical time in our world's history.  In particular, I would love to hear from you about what his meaning-centered message "means" to you and to your life.  And, of course, if you do happen to come across some media coverage of Dr. Frankl at this time, please let us all know about it!

All the best,
Alex

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
author, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
founder, Center for Meaning
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Comments

[zisuh]

Hello Alex,

My compliment. I have the impression that "meaning of life" has virtually lost its grip worldwide, among the powers and the pleasures that be. But I tell you, Viktor Frankl lives on, in the humble hearted vioceless people. Remember, the world's psychology is still deeply move under the influence of Individual power and pleasure.

Is like seeying and do not see, hearing and not hear..., because all these vital part of holistic life have evaded the modern man, in the quest of blinded individualistic, capitalistic tendencies .

Alas..! we hold firm, knowing that;
"despite all circumstances..., life has meaning"

[Alex Pattakos]

Dear ? (I'm sorry that I do not know your name),

Thank you so much for your kind and insightful comments, and for noting that "Viktor Frankl lives on." Individually and collectively, we can ensure that the human quest for meaning is never lost; especially perhaps among those who may have been blinded (to use your words) by "individualistic, capitalistic tendences." I truly believe that the "cry for meaning" can be heard loud and clear and that the search for meaning is a MEGATREND of the 21st Century. As long as we all "hold firm" in the way that you have suggest, I'm confident that we can (and will) create a better world for all! Thank you again. Meaningfully, Alex

[Zisuh]

Dear Alex,

Thank you too, meaningfully. All what we are and have is "meaning", it is the breathe of our existence.

Thanks again, keep me posted.

Life has meaning...

Zisuh

[anonymous]

I just finished reading Dr. Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning." But he accomplished his hope in me when I read it because I will NEVER really be finished with it. His work and insight has changed my entire concept of life. I have always thought that when I accomplished something or when a certain trial was over that I would be able to truly understand happiness. I was so blinded by what is only before one's eyes, not within oneself. Suffering has meaning and it is not only POSSIBLE to find a certain happiness in it, but is most definitely there. Each moment, whether in pain or joy is of supreme value, not to be dismissed but savored as a part of life. I owe a huge debt to all those who were open to learning this through the most extreme conditions. "Man's Search for Meaning" should be required reading for every human being at some time in his or her life. Some might come to understand it, while others might, at least, question their own preconceived convictions about life, suffering, inspiration, example, faith, and hope.