IndexIntroductionThe Main PartConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionViktor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning, is a very influential work on psychoanalysis in the modern era. A former Auschwitz prisoner and esteemed psychoanalyst, Frankl explores the concept of existential emptiness, or the loss of hope for a better future. It argues that, despite extreme external conditions, individuals have the power to choose their attitude towards suffering. Love, according to Frankl, is essential for survival. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe main body In Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl shares his views on how individuals can cope with suffering and survive, drawing on his personal experiences as an inmate in a Nazi concentration camp. It introduces the concept of existential emptiness, which refers to the mental state of individuals who have lost the meaning of life. The inability to find purpose creates a sense of inner emptiness. Frankl develops his theory of logotherapy, which is based on three pillars: freedom of will, will for meaning and meaning in life (Batthyany n.pag.). He interprets the Greek word "logos" to mean not just "word" but "meaning." Therefore, his psychoanalytic theory focuses on the search for and processing of ideas and meaning. Critics argue that the search for meaning is indicative of mental illness. However, Frankl argues that existential emptiness is the result of losing hope in a better future. He states, “Those who have a 'why' to live, can endure almost any 'how'” (Frankl 104). Unlike Freud, who viewed the search for meaning as a sign of illness, Frankl suggests that it is through this search that individuals can overcome mental illness. His identification of the social disease already widespread in his time, and now becoming a pandemic, can be considered a prophetic result (Krasko n.pag.). Therefore, it can be concluded that the loss of meaning in life leads to mental illness. However, critics argue that the search for meaning actually leads to neurosis. Frankl argues that it is through reasoning and the search for meaning that individuals can find their way to survival. He states, “Ultimately, man should not ask himself what the meaning of his life is, but rather recognize that he is the one being questioned” (Frankl 108). This idea is central to his book, in which he emphasizes that to survive and resist environmental pressures, individuals must change their attitude towards life. Our attitude determines our position and we should not be limited by our expectations. Happiness and success are not simply feelings of satisfaction or joy, but rather the result of hard work and perseverance (Popova n.pag.). Courage plays a significant role in accepting our destiny, according to Frankl. He states that tears are not a sign of weakness but rather evidence of the courage to endure suffering (Frankl 80). Suffering offers individuals the opportunity to become stronger and more courageous. It tests their moral strength and resilience. Frankl points out that moral fiber is more vital to survival than physical strength. Frail and sensitive individuals often suffered more in concentration camps, while physically stronger inmates were able to mentally rehabilitate after liberation. Frankl also emphasizes the importance of humor as a mechanism of, 2021.