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Make The Devil Meditate
If you are meditating and a devil arrives, make the devil meditate.
— Gurdjieff
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Search for Meaning: Frankl argues that the primary drive in human existence is not pleasure (as Freud suggested) or power (as Adler suggested) but the pursuit of what he calls “meaning.” According to Frankl, life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones. Our main motivation for living is our ability to find meaning in life.
Suffering Can Have Purpose: Frankl suggests that suffering itself is not meaningless. While we cannot avoid suffering, we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. This perspective does not glorify suffering but acknowledges that it can lead to growth if we approach it with the right mindset.
The Importance of Love: Frankl writes movingly about the importance of love in finding meaning in life. He shares that thinking of his wife and their love during his time in the concentration camps gave him the strength to endure the suffering. Love transcends the physical presence of the beloved and can provide profound motivation to live.
The Role of Responsibility: Logotherapy, Frankl’s therapeutic approach, is based on the premise that we are fundamentally free to take responsibility for our lives. This focus…
