Man's Search for Meaning

by Viktor E. Frankl

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In a word: scientific

In a sentence: a psychological analysis of the effects of the Holocaust

Synopsis: Frankl applies his background in psychology to his personal experiences in concentration camps during WWII. These unendurable conditions lent him better incite into the human psyche than any scientific study could possibly allow.

Reactions: There were some interesting aspects of this book. I appreciated how capable Frankl was at separating a natural emotional response from the scientific approach which was the purpose of his writing. His insights into the behaviors of both the captors and captives in concentration camps, and conclusions regarding human tendency I found well thought-out and persuasive. I often found myself wondering as I read this book how anyone ever justified complaining about their daily problems to a psychiatrist who had experienced concentration camps.

I will be candid with you here. I read this book for the sole reason that a well-intentioned young man had the audacity to claim himself 'disappointed' in me that I hadn't read it yet. I generally lack interest in these sorts of books, describing Holocaust books as superhero movies in that they are all the same, and psychology like horoscopes in that it is a field of appealingly convenient generalizations. Therefore, if I didn't do this book or author justice, it is because of my fundamental bias.

Read if: you're interested in psychology.