Has any one read Man's Search for Meaning?

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Man's Search for meaning is a profound book that reveals to us nurses the triumph in human beings' ability to overcome any circumstances. The book "Man's Search for Meaning" was written by Viennese psychiatrist, Dr. Viktor Frankl, who later became world renowned for having founded a new psychoanalytic paradigm of Logotherapy. Part I of this book, Dr. Frankl's interment imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps used his horrifying experiences to develop and support his theory of Logotherapy. His insightful account of the psychology of a concentration camp inmate notes that despite starvation, bitter cold, and overwhelming emotional suffering, some inmates were still able to maintain their values. He observed that prisoners coped with the experience by comforting others. And concluded those who gave away their last piece of bread survived the longest. Dr. Frankl came to believe man's deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose. "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible." (Frankl, 2005, p 172). I highly recommend this book to all of you nurses, it is an easy read and very moving!! :nurse:

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I have read this book. Frankl was an amazing man! There is a midlevel nurse theorist, Joyce Travelbee, who developed her theory around Frankl's beliefs and logotherapy. At first, the concept of finding meaning to your suffering didn't really make sense to me, but after reading the book and studying Travelbee's theory, I understand it a bit more.

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Thanks, I will look her up. I'm interested in reading more about logotherapy through nurses' point of view.

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Interesting book with a great perspective. I read it some time ago and it is still on my shelf. I'll have to get it back out for another read soon.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

I have also read it some time ago. I think I'll find it on my bookshelf and reread it! Great book!!:specs:

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I read it for my Philosophy class in college-quite profound-maybe it is time I read it again-It has been 16 years since I read it last.

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Specializes in ER.

Whenever I have difficulty I read it again and always find something that makes me think.

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He wrote several other books that are good, too.

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