Viktor Frankl Biography: A Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl was put through some of the most horrific struggles a human being could imagine. But he never lost hope, and used his experiences to continue his work helping other people find meaning in their lives. Frankl’s story is one of strength, of hope, and of a man who made an impact on the world. Let’s dive into it...
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Credits:
Host - Simon Whistler
Author - Steve Theunissen
Producer - Jack Cole
Executive Producer - Shell Harris
Business inquiries to [e-mail]
Biographies by the book, get Viktor Frankl's biography from Amazon: amzn.to/2zlFG5D
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Source/Further reading:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_...
www.ted.com/talks/viktor_fran...
www.viktorfrankl.org/e/chronol...
lwww.viktorandimovie.com/biography
www.goodtherapy.org/famous-ps...
www.independent.co.uk/news/peo...

[@timsvea5980]

I read his great book "Man's search for Meaning" while in jail for a crime I didn't commit. It helped me to persevere through a ghastly situation.

[@inthecards7535]

The system is cruel and does not work. I was forced to plead guilty for something I didn't do too. Stay strong, stay free. You have me wanting to read that book now. I made a mental note

[@jackieann5494]

God bless you both ! This world is so unfair but I thank God for your testimony that it doesn't have to break you 💖

[@shwetank49]

How long were you in jail?

[@Claytone-Records]

Shwetank Goswami, Time is irrelevant in the glass house. It can truly ruin you. Your family is out of your reach. Any number of ghastly circumstances can befall you. Desperate men do desperate things.

[@nuxe681]

Everyone is innocent once in jail

[@teamthinkbiginternational475]

“Man’s Search for Meaning” is a life changing book!

[@cyranodebeargerac]

I once heard Frankl lecture at a synagogue in Washington, D.C. I regard that experience as one of the greatest privileges of my life.

[@marialiyubman]

Jealous. 😍

[@barbrishaw6883]

You're indeed a lucky soul. Frankl is one of those people who restores one's faith in humanity, in hope, in the belief that we can become better than what and who we are.

[@brendadrew834]

Lucky you! Awesome! ❤

[@jirenuniverse116]

Viktor is badass man. I moved to another country to study at a campus. I failed the whole semester because of language barrier, but I stumbled upon his book. His book is the reason why I kept struggling until now, I'm close to graduating! Thanks Viktor, and thanks to you guys who made a research about him and made a video out of it

[@marcusvachon845]

The idea of a "Statue of Responsibility" to serve as a bookend to the Statue of Liberty is amazing. We should work to make this a reality.

[@kmann100500]

But on the west coast though I don't see it happening.

[@marcusvachon845]

Why do you feel that way? What makes you feel that it would not happen? I mean it seems as though you are basing your argument on the idea of it being the west coast. What about the west coast gives you trepidation that it would not be completed? Explain.

[@kmann100500]

The biggest west coast state California is a state that embodies an ideology which vehemently opposes personal responsibility.

[@marcusvachon845]

If this is your argument. what evidence do you have to corroborate your assertion? How can you quantify your assertion that California "embodies an ideology which vehemently opposes personal responsibility?" If you do have evidence, and are able to quantify your assertion; why would that preclude our country from building a "Statue of Responsibility?" Explain. Please, do not just leave a general statement that does not explain your assertion.

[@kmann100500]

My statement is predicated on the reader not being completely ignorant of the world they live in.

[@ceooflovingthehomies9294]

You know, I wasn’t actually all that familiar with Frankl before this video, but by the end of the video, however, I was in tears, this man’s story really is a beautiful and touching one.

[@3EBstudio]

i couldnt agree more... logotheraphy is a perspective we should all take in consideration

[@charmsbeukes]

Christian Spangler His book saved me when I was going through the worst time any parent can ....

[@ecstazyrm]

Beautiful indeed. Me too.

[@thegandalf666]

same

[@erikmikkelsen1975]

I'm a mental health counselor, specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. While we can't discount the work of Freud, Adler, Jung and other contemporaries of theirs, in my particular field I find Dr. Frankl's work to still be incredibly, intimately relevant in a way that nobody else's could be. The man was a brilliant scientist, a shrewd and insightful therapist, and a wonderfully kind and resilient human. Thanks for the video, Biographics team!

[@jackcassidy7317]

Had to read a man's search for meaning in high school, best damn book I was ever assigned

[@Biographics]

Yep.

[@olivem.9588]

That was one great high school you went to Jack.

[@marialiyubman]

This is one of very few times making you read a book for class makes sense.

[@RandyLunn]

Thank you Viktor Frankl, amazing words to live by: "..... everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to chose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances ......".

[@dschlie6669]

"Man's Search for Meaning" (written by Frankl) continues to be one of my most influential reads. Great work on this video, looking forward to more amazing biographies!

[@Biographics]

Thank you.

[@cavv0667]

I wish my therapist was half the being Frankl was... it would make a monumental difference!!!

[@olivem.9588]

Ah but the secret of Frankl is you can become your own therapist!

[@marialiyubman]

You are your own therapist, the person you go to is just helping. ❤️

[@Annik13]

You could look for a credited logotherapy institute in your country on the Viktor Frankl Institut website, they have a very useful world wide list.

[@one-of-us9939]

I read his book as soon as my doctors said I could understand why I should read it after my 2.5 week coma after my motorcycle accident in 1985 in Hollywood. He is important to me! He's in my book. Thanks Simon and crew!!!

[@alexisidro]

Thank you. “Don’t ask what you can expect from life, but what can life expect from you.” Viktor Frankl

[@HowardWimshurst]

What a wonderful, inspiring man. I was moved to tears when reading man’s search for meaning. We’re all so lucky that he survived so that he was able to spread such wisdom. It makes me wonder; how many other inspiring beautiful people with massive potential did the human race loose to the nazis?

[@brandongonzales6374]

It literally blows my mind how simple choices throughout the book kept him alive. If he would’ve simply chose to go in the other line, he would’ve died. Or when the Ss said they were taking them to Sweden in cars, but he didn’t get selected to go. Feels like destiny.

[@GerryBolger]

The human spirit is an amazing thing...

[@anaelseiyoku]

Thank you for bringing this story to us. I was born close to Auschwitz and to this day it is a place of tragedy and horror, a place that shows humans worst side. To see this man not only persevere but also turn his suffering, his experience to help others is astounding. Once again, thank you for sharing!!

[@BodyByBenSLC]

Man's search for meaning is my favorite book. It broke my heart and gave me hope at the same time.

[@Icebassh]

This is an extraordinary biography, it’s hard to believe that there are such people who suffered and still prospered all by the power of their mind. May he Rest In Peace wherever he is.

[@garysmith2983]

His book helped me cope through the toughest times of my life and many aspects have stayed with me through the years. This book should be on every curriculum in every school on the planet, especially now.

[@ashleymeggan]

This is literally the most important book I ever read. It fully changed my perception and outlook.

[@austinfreiburger9095]

I'm beyond grateful that my professor assigned this video for us to watch. Jordan B. Peterson speaks of the importance of responsibility, but I had not known that Viktor Frankl was the source of the idea of the dichotomy of freedom and responsibility. I've added Man's Search for Meaning to my reading list; this video was so moving.

[@marialiyubman]

To be honest, his work doesn’t speak to me, but his book about search for meaning is a must read. I’m most impressed by the fact that after holding onto love the entire time he found out his wife was murdered, and in my own life - that would have been the end of me, yet he still persisted... that’s superhuman character...

[@michaelfrancis154]

Thank you Simon. My son is in his selection process of choosing a University in US. As of now, he has chosen to be a sport marketer. I strongly believe that I cannot tell him to choose his major even when I disagree with his decision, he needs to experience life on his own. I've sent him the last quote for him to think better of his choices. "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." by Viktor Frankl. I wrote to him, "Son, choose your major and career wisely with determined attitude."

[@inthecards7535]

What an incredible man. Who held onto love in a world of fear, death, and war. I must read his book now of course.

[@TheSaraGames]

This video made me cry. It's incredible.

[@Biographics]

We are so happy you liked it. - Shell

[@zappawoman5183]

In his book, Frankl spoke about little, very occasional and infrequent, entertainment sessions which happened in the prisoners' barracks whenever someone managed to get hold of some kind of musical instruments. He always made a point of attending these, no matter how tired, cold and hungry he was and despite the risk of getting caught by the guards. Something in the human spirit cries out for music, dancing and being with other people to enjoy it. I thought that was very interesting, and I hope that such shindigs saved lives by giving them hope to endure another day, and inspire people with the idea that life was still worth living.

[@hvonwolfenstein2638]

I watched this video days ago but had no comments at the time. Since then, during a moment of conflict, I found myself remembering some of the quotes and philosophies from this brilliant man - it helped. You really can choose your own way.

[@fahim113]

To state the absolute obvious.....what a remarkable man. A touching and well thought out biopic of a giant. Now time to re-read some of his work, where are my books...?

[@gwenny3080]

This video brought tears to my eyes. I'm going to find a copy of this book. Thank you, Simon!

[@xavyre]

Doctor Frankl's book had a great impact on my life when I needed it most. My youngest son's middle name is Viktor in honor of this giant of the mid and human spirit.

[@jmarch_503]

It's the powerful responsibility to protect the weak , knowledge is power and helping people understand themselves should be one of best feelings, thanks for video Simon

[@knutdergroe9757]

All our rights, Are also Responsibilities. And if more of us thought that way. There far fewer problems. Also Freedom and liberty, Is just KAOS without responsibility.

[@Nachos237]

So glad that you choose him he definitely isn't well known as the others. He's book A man's search for meaning is amazing. If all self help in the world has failed you his book will not.

[@vivekvare9603]

Exactly, theres so much crap in self help&motivational talks

[@spinedoc18]

What a brilliant unstoppable force he was. A lesson for us all.

[@alyssachey8417]

I wish I could give this video multiple likes. Such a positive and inspiring person. This is someone who I would have really enjoyed learning about while I was in school , even if my teenage self would not have fully grasped what a great influence this person was.

[@forheavenssakeidonthavewif2657]

You make a good point. His teachings and most famous book should be studied in all schools. Suicide, bullying, poverty and gang violence are an issue for so many teenagers. I think his teachings would resonate with this age group, even save young lives.

[@susandegrandpre3075]

Powerful video, powerful work that Frankl did. Thanks for this.

[@MaggieMae860]

It is not only, that Frankl survived, because of & through his love for service to others, but that you chose to emphasize this aspect of his work in a way that honors both the man & his work; therein honoring also his choice to honor God, his own parents, and thereby the rest of us, not yet born. Thank you.

[@sanguinesoulful]

I didn't know much about Viktor Frankl until this video. Very powerful.

[@MonkeyKing000]

Another great Biograpic! Biographics gives you a full account of a person's life in a less than 20 minute consumable. Doesn't get any better than this.

[@ChapmanFilms]

The part of Viktor during WW2 had me in tears. Great video as always

[@sisteray3539]

What an amazing man. Thank you for bringing him to our attention

[@resileaf9501]

This video deserves more views. More people need to learn about this remarkable man.

[@3EBstudio]

his story puts me in tears each time i listen to it ....

[@anthonytitone]

While most of our legacies are bound by time, Frankl’s legacy through his love for all of humanity stretches beyond the confines of reality into the abstract of eternity. Every time sentient life finds a why the world gains another human

[@wcropp1]

This was an especially good one Simon. Frankl is a special man, who has helped me and many others. “Man’s Search for Meaning” is worth a read, without a doubt. He has many other good ones as well. Thanks!

[@biliskalolela2886]

one of my favourite videos so far....thank you biographics for sharing.

[@Biographics]

so far...

[@languagepool-germanusingli9902]

Very moving. Simon, you were also obviously moved in making this film. Good work, well done. I'm going to read the book

[@aprilchronister9980]

I appreciate your doing this of Frankl, I have known of him but not all his sufferings until I recently got his book 'mans search for meaning'. It has been difficult for my hubby (& myself too) wondering why hubby has had this experience of brain cancer. This is August 2020, hubby diagnosed and emergency brain surgery Jan 2017. Everyone's struggles are very real to them, ours has been weird (evac from N California tubbs fires as he was recooping from brain surgery, etc & then all this covid scare too .. while immobility increases for hubby) ... but that folks have gotten through tough tough experiences ; as Frankl did, has been inspiration to take stuff moment at a time, life is now ~

[@evelynmontez3565]

His book helped me. I've told everyone I can to read it. Never give up. Never give in.

[@umuwi]

i read man's search after reading about his life in my junior year social sciences class - it truly helped to unlock an understanding of life i needed at the time. frankl was a marvellous human being and i'm surprised i don't see his name more often. thank you so much for sharing his story!

[@missy2543]

Sadly most people prefer netflix to books.

[@queenbeekeeper8755]

Thank you all so much for this and all of the other works and channels that your team have produced. I have had sleep issues for a while now. Keeping my mind occupied with interesting yet easily to understand information and Simon's voice have made many difficult nights better. What you do makes a difference 😊

[@FBrapidreview]

Just finished reading this book. The connection of state of mind with state of immunity explained in the book is amazing. Good read.

[@BigS4mu_]

I just finished reading Man's search for meaning and I can't deny that I cried a couple of times whilst reading it. I and my family also endured troubling times but not like what he and others endured. Him finding the silver lining while in there and helping people after is just heart warming and makes me want to help people as well. Thank you Victor!

[@jamessuttie1261]

Outstanding. I had heard of him, but not in depth. I plan to read his book. Thank you for this.

[@McNaryMusic]

Thanks for this biopic Simon! So inspiring. What a beautiful, impactful person Viktor Frankl was!

[@catharinepizzarello4784]

I remember reading this. It changed my life. I’m going to read it again. I didn’t know what he was like. Thank you, Simon!

[@AprilPray]

Thank you for choosing to do this biography. Frankl is still inspiring and touching humankind though he has passed. We all should aspire to his ideals.

[@tmgerber]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I am a philosophy student and this was an excellent addition to my studies. It was emotional, informative and encouraging. I appreciate the time you took to post it. I will definitely be reading more of Frankl's works.

[@ceciliaspears161]

This is absolutely beautiful.

[@Anthony-gq7dk]

perhaps your finest contribution to a life lived. What a human being.

[@michaelmoller4199]

Wicked video. Would love to see one on Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone De Beauvoir, or Albert Camus and how their experiences during World War 2 shaped some of the predominant philosophical and sociological movements of the 20th century.

[@nikolai843]

Marvelous overview, as always! Keep up this good work, Simon!

[@rhondavanderbeek8006]

More than 3 decades have passed since I first read Mans Search for Meaning, but your concise and elegantly edited bio vid has inspired me to read it again. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@ahmedabokar4786]

This was awesome! Best one yet, thanks a lot simon!!

[@Greatblue56]

This was a beautiful, respectful, and moving treatment of this man’s incredible story. Thank you Simon!

[@milesbancroft]

Superb, inspiring and well told. Thank you.

[@darianhalifko8913]

THANK YOU! FRANKL IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR and PSYCHOLOGIST!

[@marcscordato4385]

Fascinating story I was deeply moved by his triumphant journey through tragedy.

[@danieladeutsch1708]

Thank you very much for this biography. I have started immediately googling Dr. Frankl and his books and quotes and videos.... What an inspiring man!

[@laztoth3104]

Viktor frankl had a hell of a life. Talk about enduring I think you did that.

[@suzyq2389]

Thank you. I needed to see this today.

[@magneticpupful]

This is outstanding ... you’re best work across the all the channels ... thank you !

[@C_Shanty1993]

Another great subject for this channel. Truly inspiring and informative. Thank you for all the hard work you put in to bring us these amazing videos!

[@Ecosse57]

i discovered dr. frankl a few years ago so i clicked on this straight away. i have to see very well done, thank you!

[@jackcarlton8259]

This is a beautiful tribute. Well done, Simon.

[@MareCat31]

I need to read some of this man's stuff,thanks Simon

[@logiccast2089]

Simply, I want to say Thank You for the time and the effort you put in this video,!!!

[@jonimcmath4373]

Thank you for your work and for sharing this video for all to see. I have shown my high school sociology/psychology students this video and it had a profound effect on them, as well as myself. As someone already reflected; the human spirit is certainly an amazing thing.

[@chrisfredericks4265]

This man is so remarkable. God Bless him.

[@brostelio]

What an amazing man. A true inspiration.

[@scottmitchell358]

I love all of your topics. Please keep them coming.

[@alexcristescu5573]

Hi Simon, I would really appreciate if you can do a biography on King Michael I of Romania. He has recently passed away leading a long and harsh life, with high principles and modesty. He is a symbol for my country but his decisions during the Second World War have had an impact in Europe. This message will probably not reach you, in case it does, I hope you take some time and consider this request. His funeral will be tomorrow and although he has not been our head of state for 70 years people in Bucharest are waiting in line for 7 hours to pay their respects. I appreciate all of the hard work you and your collaborators are dedicating to make such amazing content for us to learn from.

[@hndrwn]

Alex Cristescu @simonwhistler

[@duaneblake7986]

Thank you for publishing this particlar story. Quite humbling to me. This man takes responsibility for his own choices in the face of such horrors. And then surviving the horrors, he chooses compassion over hate, and gives others what he learned. Can you imagine what the world could be if we all chose this way!?

[@ashleykorte5741]

Biographics, your videos are fantastic. I always look forward to watching your new viedo. Thank you.

[@74aztlan]

A brilliant human. Thank you for covering one of my heroes.

[@bruceprins3305]

Thanks for this biography. He's always been an inspiration to me.

[@markhughes7927]

Logo therapy speaks to the essential metaphysical nature of man in his best self. So important. So distant from behaviourism. So distant from every form of material-determinism. So away from the ancient heresy of Pelagian-ism which subverts all generations all the time with the suggestion that a schematic fix will repair the soul and the world and so characteristic of collectivist thinking. What a lovely man. Yes - taking up responsibilities is the way to a healthy spirit and mature thought. Good to see you visibly moved by the narration.

[@tritondriver1]

Had a Theology class in High School "88" and the focus was his book. Has helped me ever since.

[@loriethayermorse162]

Awesome video. I had never heard of him before, and I was moved by his story.

[@matttucker3]

Love it love anything you do simon!!

[@JimmyPage68]

When I was in high school, I read “man’s search for meaning “ front to back in one night. I just couldn’t put the book down and it has been my favorite book since.

[@parparpar6738]

Statue of responsibility. Wow. Absolutely brilliant. Victor Frankl no doubt has been simply one of the greatest minds in our era. Us humans should be so lucky to know not only him, more importantly HIS works. After all, HIS works are HIM. Thanks a bunch for sharing.

[@diannadiatz1140]

Dear Simon, Thank you for this enlightening portrait of Victor Frankl. It is a miracle that he survived Auschwitz -- particularly without bitterness. What an amazing human being! What a beautiful soul! I shall have to read (or listen to an audio version) his book. Best wishes, Dianna

[@johnsummers9660]

I was on the verge of tears for this entire episode, until the end anyway. At that point I couldn't stop them. I only know a small amount of information about the true conditions in the concentration camps.My grandfather, an Army WWII veteran, who worked to make the camps more livable until they could get the prisoners out or up to strength and take them down, described them as the worst thing ever visited upon humanity, by themselves no less. Needless to say, getting him to talk about his time in Europe during WWII was almost impossible.

[@harsherharsh]

Out of all the videos on your channel, this one is the best.

[@christina1wilson]

I just watched this at the end of 2021 and couldn't help think how prophetic his arguements for the Statue of Responsibility were.

[@Bubba2Guns]

Thank you for this video about this remarkable man.

[@ironstevie]

Thank you!! He is my personal hero!

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

I literally owe my life to Viktor Frankl. I unfortunately got myself addicted to fentanyl and was lucky enough to find 1 of the only 5 rehab centers in the world that are based on Viktor Frankl's teachings and his book, by the time I made it there I had suffered 14 full on overdoses. With help from his work I lead a purposeful and meaningful life today.

[@MrVvulf]

Great video, very inspiring. Thank you. At some point will you please cover the life of Sir John Hawkwood (known as Giovanni Acuto in Italy)? Cheers.

[@finalsouldragon]

Love all you're video's. Great stuff keep it up.

[@sthede1000]

Great work.

[@sanewfield1]

This was so good. Attitude is everything.