A key point in this book is looking forward, making inner goals to create faith in the future. Without such a belief mental and physical decay quickly results. Opportunity only comes when one looks at the way he bears his burden. Examining such larger issues like death and suffering unveils a greater task of being with or getting through these unpleasant situations. By accepting not denying our suffering one acts responsibly so to fully live instead of filled with despair. With such an attitude of encouragement and hope we then can make the best of lives.
Frankl developed Logotherapy were one realizes their responsibilities. It is up to the person to awaken to his obligation to himself and his community. Depression happens because we lack content in our life. Critical is what specific meaning one gives his life in the here and now. For example what is your best next move in a chess game gets you engaged to fully be. It is not what meaning life offers but rather what meaning you give to it.
"The more one forgets himself- by giving of himself to a cause or to serve or another person to love- the more human he is and the more he actualizes himself" pg. 115
According to logotherapy, we can discover the meaning of life in three different ways: 1) In creating a work or by doing a deed 2) by experiencing something or encountering someone, and; 3) by the attitude we take about unavoidable suffering. pg.115
For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one's predicament into human achievement. pg. 116
It is one of the basic tenets in logotherapy the man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or avoid pain but rather see meaning in his life. That is why man is even ready to suffer, on the condition he , to be sure, that his suffering has meaning. pg. 117
That which does not kill me, makes me stronger- Nietzsche
