Finding Something to Live and Die For | The Philosophy of Viktor Frankl

What keeps a human being going? The purest answer to this question is perhaps to be found in the worst of places. Austrian psychiatrist, philosopher, and author Viktor Frankl spent three years in four different concentration camps. He was at the mercy of sadistic SS guards and the so-called “Capos:” prisoners with special privileges who willingly collaborated with the Nazis and were even more ruthless than their masters.
The camp inmates were constantly exposed to famine, sickness, slave labor, and the possibility of punishment or execution. There was no freedom. The prisoners moved around like a defenseless flock of sheep, kicked and beaten by their shepherds, stripped of all human dignity.
What’s left to live for in such a horrible place like a concentration camp? When they’ve taken all your liberties and possessions, and when death at short notice is almost inevitable, is there any reason not to give up on life? Viktor Frankl concluded that there’s always a reason to live even in the worst conditions: there’s always meaning in suffering. And if we can grasp this meaning - this star in the sky - we can overcome even the most painful circumstances.
According to Viktor Frankl, it’s not pleasure nor success and power that essentially drives people; it’s finding something - a purpose, a meaning - to live and even die for (Finding Something to Live and Die For | The Philosophy of Viktor Frankl).
The quotes in this video are from Viktor Frankl's book 'Man's Search for Meaning'.
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Frankl (2): commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
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#viktorfrankl #meaningoflife #purposeinlife
00:00 - Intro
01:46 - The great divide
07:29 - Why meaning
10:38 - Finding meaning

[@temlodge]

My well qualified daughter took her own life two month ago, one week before she would start work as a lawyer after obtaining three degrees from a prestigious university in London, she left us notes about life being meaningless, how I wish she came in contact with the works of Dr Viktor Frankl and find her meaning/purpose, We love her deeply and she was only 23. Now, I am surviving by dwelling deep into Dr Frankl's works to rebuild my life. Emptiness is the worse disease today no doubt.

[@krisi12bg55]

Keep being strong, brother! I hope you find something to stabilize your life!

[@jkim1316]

I wonder if you know you're a very strong parent. I know some (maybe most) who can no longer function even on a basic level after the passing of a child. Maybe you understand the emptiness she was feeling. I need to realize that I don't have to do something noble in order to give life meaning. I'm doing work that I thought would make me feel better about myself because it's a good deed. But, I'm realizing I'm doing more self-harm by not exploring what interests me beyond just finding purpose. I exist. I don't have to prove I'm worth my existence. It's tough, though. I just don't see it most days.

[@temlodge]

@@krisi12bg55 That’s how I found Dr Viktor Frankl.

[@temlodge]

@@jkim1316 You are absolutely right! After her passing my world collapsed on me and everyday I experienced emptiness besides grief, and I could imagined her struggle and suffering of emptiness. There is no need to do stuff to prove/justify our existence, but finding meaning perhaps is what our own life require of us, not other people.

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

23 is so young 😔 😟

[@MYwinters1945]

"Imagine waking up every day to engage un activities you dont like in order to survive" my life described in a simple sentence.

[@wayneroth8855]

Maybe you would be happier living during the thousand years of feudalism. The standard of living was no higher at the end than at the beginning.

[@mord0]

Do something different then

[@michaels2520]

sorry

[@infoharvester]

@@mord0 you're a genius lol

[@mord0]

@@infoharvester 😂 I know it’s a bit cheeky but actually making yourself get out there and DO something rather than overthink everything really helps - it’s called behavioral activation

[@wroanee]

"He who has a 'why' to live can bear almost any 'how'." - F. Nietzsche

[@konan8353]

- Wroanee Faruque

[@YouAreHear]

Thank you, I was writing down this quote in my journal but I’d never seen Nietzsche written & so I had no idea how to spell it 🙏🏻😇

[@wroanee]

@@YouAreHear 😉

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree9209]

Nietzsche stole that quote from a TikTok Influencer!

[@beatsbygoldfinger1924]

amazing quote

[@francescomarzotto]

"We do not ask life what the meaning of life is. Life asks us, what is the meaning of your life. And life demands our answer." Viktor E. Frankl

[@krale9970]

Csnt understand , the message behind sounds like nonsense

[@behindthepie9430]

“Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back.” - Marcus Aurelius

[@rayamarante4768]

As much into great quotes as I am, I'm shocked that I haven't encountered this one. Absolutely brilliant and great timing by you.

[@andyt.80]

Spoken in the movie Gladiator too

[@rayamarante4768]

@@andyt.80 Ahh, good to know (didn't see the film).

[@namelessmonster4857]

Death is only equal thing between humans

[@musafir203]

Nope. Marcus didn’t say it. Just a movie dialogue.

[@Dacademeca]

*"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." *- Viktor Frankl

[@simpleguy4521]

Beautifully put

[@atlantis6855]

Wack

[@cia6880]

He so strong!! 💯💯

[@nickkiwilliams0]

We xan change we rise up against our broken system and rebuild it brick by brick

[@doxasophosmoros]

@@nickkiwilliams0 bimbo

[@cosmic2096]

"Most people who experience midlife crises have spent their entire lives raising a family, or working in a career. They haven't had the time, or capacity, to ask the important questions in life. Eventually, something triggers the question, Is this all there is?"

[@lancewhoha3659]

I'm asking that question at 19. I think I'm coming up on the answer.

[@flyingknee23]

@@lancewhoha3659 I'm asking this question at 24.

[@lancewhoha3659]

@@flyingknee23 I hope you find it too man

[@kerripendragon4888]

Life is purposeless unless you want to raise kids with the right partner....or help the poor and orphans in some ways.... helping the weakest in society; the poor, the terminaly ill, the old, prisoners, the handicapped....etc. If you're not doing any of these nor raising kids in a loving relationship, then life is purposeless!!!

[@nickkiwilliams0]

When mortality rates were much higher and life spanns shorter women would be married off to bare children almost as soon as puberty the nature vs nurture argument is though. I sound like an a$&hole to say it but we shouldn't all survive we are saving and preserveing life's that will only suffer and wither

[@robertbarney8635]

When told to pursue my dreams, I did! I immediately went back to sleep.

[@chinoh3498]

Hahaha

[@queenaqueen7269]

🤩🤩🤩

[@celloviola110]

Haha.

[@kellerkind4510]

The one thing that keeps us humans going is the fear of death, so ask yourself what is death. The fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. Don’t fear the one who is able to kill the body, but fear the one who is able to kill body and spirit

[@IbarraAlejandro]

​@@kellerkind4510 It all depends on what we think and believe some ppl didn't fear death they ain't coming back to the living world 😅

[@ghostno-jitsu7463]

Its so easy to forget to appreciate having the bare minimum in life. I have a roof, food, a job, and people who love me. I am satisfied 😌

[@anthonyarcanumsanctumregnu9551]

That's all it's about Fam!

[@iliveinsideyourhouse3943]

I'm lonely and sometimes kinda sad because I don't have anyone I'm close to. I'm gonna pursue human connection and relationships, that's my meaning for now.

[@ghostno-jitsu7463]

@@iliveinsideyourhouse3943 godspeed to you my friend. You don't need a lot of friends just one.

[@iliveinsideyourhouse3943]

@@ghostno-jitsu7463 That's right, I just wanted one friend, but no luck so far, oh well, the pursuit of something meaningful gotta be hard.

[@ghostno-jitsu7463]

@@iliveinsideyourhouse3943 When I was a teen i had a dozen close friends. When I hit 20 I had 5 or 6. Now I only have two. Good friends that stick and you can trust are very rare indeed and worth the search.

[@hellfrozen9971]

My meaning of life is self improvement,that's why I wake up full of motivation every single day,because I know no matter what happens I can always be better than the version of myself from yesterday and seeing years passing by I can watch and realise my own progress and how big of an improvement I get.

[@marwanakkad6526]

This meaning does not fall under any of the three categories of life meaning that Frankel suggested. May I ask you how long do you have this particular meaning in your life?

[@tedcleveland8488]

Idk why but that sounds so boring to me.

[@brucesekliar5824]

better wrt what?? money, new task at job? new version of mobile? what??

[@xibalbaNOW]

@@brucesekliar5824they go to the gym. It’s always the gym

[@joerobins6069]

I agree with this, it’s not the sole motivation but I find it incredibly powerful. By reading stoic philosophy you can begin to live the best life you can, exercise, diet, these are all the pillars of a strong mind and soul.

[@zenthegeneral]

_Man's Search for Meaning_ is still one of the most happy depressing books I've ever read To turn disaster and horror into meaning is a super power all on it's own, and whether it's emotional resilience or mental gymnastics, it's a valuable strategy for going through adversity *"If you want to be a light for the world, you must be willing to burn." -Viktor Frankl* People who find pain in times of peace are pitiable, but by that token, people who find peace in times of struggle are admirable It really does come down to how one interprets the situation, rather than the situation

[@Ragman312]

I wonder about that. If we have to create meaning for ourselves, then there's truly no meaning in the outside world. It's a product of our own making, subject to the corruption of our own human nature. This is evident through the expression of pessimism, yet true meaning is incorruptible. It must exist without rather than within the confines of our imagination. This is the perpetual cycle of evil and suffering that pervades over the world. We're caught in a samsara, a timeless loop, human history, a species doomed to live in the unbalanced twilight of god-like knowledge and animalistic tendencies. There's no example of a willpower strong enough to stave off the evil of the world let alone the sins we commit ourselves. How can we have a discussion of meaning without the mention of freedom as well? Freedom is an essential ingredient to the euphoria of meaningfulness. But I wonder, when people start going down that path, where does it lead. I assume the logical conclusion to freedom is something like nirvana, achieving a neutral victory through not wanting to play the game at all.

[@patdaly4107]

Actually it comes down to the lucky and those who are misfortune However in my experience one makes their own a luck

[@ssaleem2]

Wow, I read a lot etc and never stumbled upon this quote. It’s amazing. Thank you for sharing this quote and your insight.

[@oORiseAboveOo]

@@haveagreatlife3973 Just a question, who is the “we” being referred to in that quote?

[@mauriciofontes]

"People who find pain in times of peace are pitiable, but by that token, people who find peace in times of struggle are admirable". I think I understand what you mean, but stating this is passing some HEAVY judgement on a person going through pain. If we compare most of our lives with Viktor Frankl's or other survivors of extreme situations, naturally our "pain" will be almost nothing, almost laughable. But then you risk ignoring completely the struggles of daily life and alienating ourselves to pains and struggles most of our family and friends go through.

[@avanschalkwyk5897]

Im a South African student teacher, just read a psychology book speaking of Frankl, then the same day I finished it this video came out. After losing my mom to cancer, I found meaning in suffering through the stoicism that this channel provided as well as psychologist theories of Frankl and Maslow. If it means anything to the creator of this channel, you have helped me indirectly to build a strong mind. Dankie enkel ganger vir jou wysheid en jou raad.

[@Buzzoit]

I’m sorry about you mom, mine also passed away to cancer. I try to carry the pain it sprung as care and kindness for other people

[@avanschalkwyk5897]

@@Buzzoit I am sorry to hear, healing takes time, some sooner than others, there is no rule to life. I coped with the fact that the pain of the cancer was gone. The suffering was not drawn out.

[@salvadorramirez4114]

I'm sorry to hear all this. I'm 29 and survived stage 4T cancer when i was 26. I lost EVERYTHING. Cars, my place, my fiance, muscles and hair. What honestly got me through it was finding GOD. Otherwise I would have been laying in that bed facing an abyss of emptiness. Shortly after I had family/friends pass from cancer. I was at peace and helped others feel the same knowing they were in a better place than we are.

[@melon9680]

@@salvadorramirez4114 I find it funny that whenever someone is faced with a situation that pushes them close to the edge, whether it be death, going to prison or losing loved ones, that out of nowhere people go to find their strength, not within themselves, but from something like religion. Like why? Are you lacking so much inside that that you had to cling to the one familiar cli che that is the Bible? That it somehow holds the right answers? The secrets to morality? Strength? (funny enough but religion tends to Lead people to dehumanize others) Sorry to say but that ancient crap is pure hypocrisy. Instead you should've studied everything els, hell philosophy, something that gives you scope, inner wisdom, to make you realize that you had the strength to pick yourself up, that through your own free will as a person, and individual can chose to be who and what you are and how you go about life and interacting with others.

[@salvadorramirez4114]

@@melon9680 🙄you'll see

[@Driscoc]

Viktor’s book helped me a lot when I was in a dark place. I recommend it for anyone in a similar place.

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

Ok...thanks! 7years in the Thai jail did not help me to be happy.

[@jetgamez643]

I started reading Man's Search for Meaning 3 years ago but only read half of it, thinking I should start reading again

[@GaminGawdess]

Yes it is a must read I loved it

[@LeoRex13]

Same... his name came up a few times in my psych classes, but years later I was handed his book &... yeah. Good timing on that one.

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

I’ve had it on my physical TBR shelf for a couple of years. I think these comments will get me to read it. So many books! ❤️🤟🏻

[@kilingkiling-tinybell]

After failure in work and love, I have come to terms that, because I'm the only child, to take care of my parents when they are old has brought meaning to my life.

[@dalpaengi]

you’re honorable and I hope you receive an abundance of happiness

[@Pedanticskepticism]

It will become your cage. When you can’t go out

[@Pondapple]

@@Pedanticskepticism Maybe she or he can reframe it as a cage with doors and windows that let in the light of self respect, honor and accomplishment.

[@kikaylopez2753]

That's beautiful but I do wish you a real love as well

[@kikaylopez2753]

That's beautiful but I do wish you a real love as well

[@alideep9656]

I live in Syria and the living conditions in 2022 are so extreme, we are somehow off the grid, this video eases the daily struggle.

[@James-qz5ny]

Love out to Syria❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lawrencestoke]

🙏 Stay strong brother. Hoping and praying for peace

[@RexMckinnis]

I’m 31, unhealthy, broke, depressed, still live with my mom, can’t find a job and feel like I have no purpose in life. Idk where my life is going and have no motivation. I’m more than scared for my future.

[@Matteo342]

We are the same my friend. I’m 37, also broke, can’t work bc of multiple sclerosis, depressed and live home with my mom & sister. Just know that some guy has it just as bad if not worse than you. Just wanted to make you feel not so alone. Hope things get better for you man!

[@RexMckinnis]

@@Matteo342 hey my friend, I truly mean this. I hope the universe has a plan for us for everything to get better. Much love homie! Please stay safe and let’s try harder this year and beyond

[@stefaniratu6439]

I hope universe could help you

[@James-qz5ny]

Could be worse, at least you don't have to deal with the veterans affairs for health care,,,,, it's crazy scary.

[@user-hh7jz9pm9s]

@@James-qz5ny could be worse is not a reason to not feel the pain you have I hope you get the proper care you deserve my mother and father dealt with the same god bless

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

My problem with depression was I knew I had no meaning in life and I knew I was responsible for creating my own meaning, but I also went down the rabbit hole of no-self, and could not see any meaning and reason to try to create it. All was futile and pointless, and I was aware I was broken. Too tired to generate meaning and invest in myself or others. No desire to improve to get better at anything. No joy. No end of suffering. No ability to seek happiness because nothing outside myself can make me happy and I couldn't generate it from within. Seems like I was trapped in wrong view...because things both exist and don't exist...things have meaning and are meaningless. It was a perspective shift I needed. Also, lots of drugs.

[@hissyfitz7890]

It is few who know the feeling of being completely defeated; then reborn only to repeat the cycle.

[@tommym321]

I’m just too fucking tired. And I don’t believe.

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

@@tommym321 I quit drinking hard a year and a half ago, thinking it would improve things, but it just made me experience the suffering "raw"...been trying to find a reason to keep going all this time...head full of SSRIs and other brain drugs. Riddled with chronic fatigue. Since nothing outside myself can make me happy, I feel it is a choice I must make for myself to just "be it". I do feel happy when I embody some selfless thing, like helping others in need, mentoring, ect. but I'm codependent, so living for others means I'm putting myself second and focusing solely and narcissistically on how others perceive me...which is exhausting. Tommy, I recommend writing down your values...what matters to you. What is the best version of yourself? ...then take a small step each day to become more that that person you want to be.

[@justincrabtree6748]

Wow that's deep. Thanks for sharing! Hope you can find true happiness 🙂💯

[@chipfgc1984]

@@WtfKZbin_YouSuck I think the reason depression is such a hard thing to overcome is because, when all hope of life is gone you lose the want for things to get better. To the extent that even meaning itself feels pointless. But I have to say it's been sometime since I've seen such profound ideas articulated as well as you have put them here, I resonated with every word you spoke. Thank you for sharing your story, hearing similar thoughts I have entertained be put into words help me to better understand my own deeper thoughts. Well done for inspiring others and hope you can find the peace and happiness you deserve :)

[@Emmacita423]

I believe that my life’s purpose is my work as a early childhood educator . I know that work doesn’t always equal meaningfulness, but seeing those kids learn and grow brings me a lot of fulfillment. I feel lucky to have found that so early in my life

[@Darkinse]

“Work a meaningless job to be able to buy stuff to feel less meaningless “ I am no martyr but even i know myself and other people

[@ruthbennett7563]

I am at the end of my education career in the classroom. My body can no longer endure the work & my current job has been cut from my school’s budget (as I knew it would when I reached retirement). Making art with kids has given me meaning enough to get through the darkest periods of my life. I do not know how I will continue on without this daily affirmation of purpose. There is a dark side to the philosophy of meaning. What is to be done when you have been made redundant? Cut from the budget? Or, considered obsolete? Being unable to continue really makes me feel like I should be put down like an old workhorse. I had purpose which I no longer serve.

[@lateonaname]

@@ruthbennett7563maybe if you’re retired and can afford to give your time you could volunteer an after school art club ? A couple hours one day a week? There could even be a small joining fee just to cover supplies 🤷🏻‍♀️ keep it laid back and enjoyable

[@azanyahyisrael101]

​@@ruthbennett7563That would be to keep going my friend. Good luck! 🙂

[@UmbraStarWolf]

What is not meaningful to someone can be someone’s purpose. Everyone finds meaning in different things.

[@lecomtedeneuch9994]

I always struggled with this since an early age. This is why maintaining relationships with friends, disappointing relatives and family was really frequent in my life. I observe. I exist. I survive. I fight. I never lived. Never really enjoyed something. Each day now is a struggle for hope to bear on. Already attempted to take my life twice. Reverted the effects of the poison twice but the second time it almost killed me. Dark thoughts won't leave me be. I attempted to reach out for help but nobody understands or helped me. I'm all alone with my mind and I really won't be able to fight the urge to just vanish away.

[@SamuelBlack84]

I choose to turn my pain into hate against those who cause me such sorrow. Finding meaning in life doesn't always involve doing something good

[@jasonlockhart5633]

Innerstand ❤ you're not alone

[@jasonlockhart5633]

Innerstand ❤ your not alone

[@mariamoon2527]

Sorry you feel so low. Please try to be kind to yourself. See the child in you that has been hurt and abandoned by others and show compassion to yourself because that part is still wounded inside you. You deserve love, acceptance and understanding.

[@churpina]

Seek help my friend. A psychologist is great when you cannot understand what youre going through

[@Vishal_.]

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how”. This is the 🔑

[@cmcn1434]

I’ve lost the ability to walk and know this video to be very accurate in my life. Thank you so much for this 💓

[@shinigamikurosaki5417]

Even if you lost the ability to walk, you can still move forward as a person. Though you became different, there are always people who suffers the same as you. Even if you find yourself to be the only person to suffer the way no one had, you can set example for others. Everyone has different path in life. Some has similar path or get your path intertwined with others. Perhaps you have a path which is special and unique and rare. Till the end of the journey, you must grateful to your life and the achievements you had in life.

[@ArianSaeedi]

Keep going mate❤

[@miradinoh8577]

If I could donate my legs to you I would

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

Let's try to make it through this thing we call life. 👍

[@erikaugis1]

🙏

[@bad_money]

Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.

[@mohamedaminebenlehmar9724]

That is the implication of denying God and his revelation. Total darkness and meaninglessness.

[@tiggerknowsbest6817]

@@mohamedaminebenlehmar9724 Quite the contrary in my opinion. I find it to be total lightness, there is nothing anchoring you down with true nihilism, it's just you and infinity.

[@uchicha666]

@@mohamedaminebenlehmar9724 and you call yourself a free thinker. Can you enlighten us then and tell what's the meaning of life, good for everone?

[@Turnitupluber]

Random

[@lindajoyrainbowneal5609]

@@mohamedaminebenlehmar9724 ... yep, u sure said it correctly ... by throwing God away, that unfortunate person hits the trashcan ... (-_'|

[@jannetteberends8730]

A Dutch philosopher once wrote an essay with the title: be happy that life has no meaning. That was such an eye opener for me. And indeed, I’m very happy with that fact for decades now.

[@harshkanoongo1640]

Baruch Spinoza?

[@324ywo]

May I know where u found the essay? So I can read it too

[@jannetteberends8730]

The philosopher is Jaap van Heerden. The text is in Dutch. I couldn’t find it on internet anymore. It used to be there because I have a download.

[@jannetteberends8730]

@@324ywo the first time I read it was in a Dutch paper.

[@acidset]

That title makes me think of the fact that at least there is no one set meaning for everyone, and any can be given and be shapen by the person. I'd be curious to explore more about that.

[@dlloydy5356]

Really took this one on board. Frankl was an outstandingly strong human. His outlook on life through horrendous experiences is the finest example of the human spirit & ‘grit’.

[@LetsReadPodcast]

Great vids my dude

Thanks!

[@michaelbishopp7758]

I got a lot from this one

[@SocietysWriter]

👀

[@georgiejulius556]

Yowww I lovee your horror narrations💯💯💯💯🌟

[@noellthomas381]

Hey Let’s Read, love your channel and all that you do. Stay happy and healthy

[@K2llerTV]

This is my MOST favourite Video of yours! I loved reading Viktor Frankls "Man´s search for Meaning". Keep up the crazy good work. Thanks for this amazing Video 🖤

Thanks Kital, that great to hear :)

[@sinnsage]

same

[@Elena-oq4sz]

He was the best philosopher ever, after everything he went through.. a magnificent person. I wrote an essay about him..😊

[@bookaworld9784]

I watch you everyday. You have helped me look at life differently. Before was in a dark place and was very unsure with alot of things. You have helped me think differently. Thank you. Awesome videos. Sending love from Canada.

[@manufacturedreality8706]

We are constantly searching for meaning, especially these days, because we are NOT free. If we were, finding meaning would easy.

[@henryjohnson-ville3834]

I agree. That's why I'm throwing whatever I can into crypto. Hopefully it succeeds and I could quit my wage slavery job. I rather be anxious and bored in my million dollar home than depressed that this is my life till retirement when you do have money but your body hurts and aches.

[@queenaqueen7269]

@@henryjohnson-ville3834 yes

[@DominiqueFrancon]

Thank you for this powerful video. Many years ago when I was having the pity party of the century, a friend of mine suggested that I read “Man’s Search For Meaning.” Reading that book changed my attitude forever. Attitude is everything.

[@Ry-fw6or]

I just ordered 😊

[@eduardgut5664]

After every time I watch your short videos, I have to spend hours, sometimes days to contemplate on the thoughts and ideas you introduced me to.

[@muneebkhan7465]

I have watched numerous stuff on existential issues on KZbin but i can say with certitude that this video is immensely important because of its pragmatic content,easy to understand philosophy without beating around the bush. Highly obliged to this channel🙏🙏🙏

[@mraviteja22]

He who has a why to live can bear almost any how - this quote really changed my life.

[@strong.a.b.]

That is just what I needed to watch. I had a big existentional problem, kinda get stucked for a while. Now I feel much better. Like you have unlocked some lock in my soul. Thank you for the big work. I'm glad that you here. Keep going! Wish you the best!

[@dominiquejasperson900]

This is the most important and meaningful channel on the tubes! Thank you for doing what you do. Grief and bereavement, especially, are the burdens we all need help and guidance to traverse.

[@michael_leclezio]

This is such a powerful video. Thank you Einzelgänger. I have a feeling that doing this is where you yourself find a great source of meaning and purpose. Praises to you.

[@joelbelmonte1383]

Dear Einzelgänger, anytime I watch or listen to a video of yours I feel like getting a total new perspective on things, so my mind strongly calms down (irrespective of the topic). Many thanks for your great work!

Thank you, that’s good to hear.

[@lorenzrosenthal119]

@ Yes from me too: all your videos I've watched have been very profound and well-made. Thank you! I think you are helping a lot of people. Greetings from Germany.

[@liafuentes326]

Beautiful video! Sharing a piece of bread with the people in need can indeed give meaning to your life.

[@DragonNo1]

Dr V. Frankl's book is gem. I've red it at least twice. Great video! Thank you!

[@asmiiii3]

This is so true. My life felt pretty empty and meaningless when I had no real purpose engraved in my head. But now, after focusing on my career and work, I finally know what I want to do for the world and for myself before I leave this world, and waking up everyday, knowing that I am a step closer to achieving that through my own efforts, is the most relieving thing ever. Thank you for the video. Love this channel so much!💕

[@scottyg5403]

This is definitely a video to watch over and over! Also I love all the great comments and they're great knowledge that people share. Thank you

[@ryszards3879]

I’m impressed, delighted and … moved; thanks for all you’ve been doing!

[@elvia7064]

You've saved me today. A sincere thanks to you for bringing this topic into light. ❤

[@hbhargavnaidu6025]

"Finding something to live (and even die for) transforms a meaningless, hopeless existence into a life worth living, regardless of any circumstances" - Viktor Frankl

[@Ry-fw6or]

My favorite KZbin channel. Thank you so much!

[@dazwischen5072]

Dear Einzelgänger, I have been watching your videos off and on for some years now.. (this is my first comment) You have created a very unique place here on KZbin, sharing your profound and wise thinking, through the thoughts of others. Creating something new of old wisdom, how beautiful. 😍 I thank you dearly , especially for this video, which will be one of my favourites, to listen to again and again. And to send to my friends. Thank you ever so much, keep up the good work! 🙏

[@aneshwarsalaria]

This piece of litrature is truly immortal, and the way it was presented here is commendable and admirable. Thank you for highlighting it to the world in such a beautiful way.

[@gwyn.thomas]

The singularly most important 15 minutes I have encountered for the longest time. Thank you.

[@kaiimendoza]

His book Man's Search for Meaning is one of my favorite. It changed my perspective about life.

[@aurejones9546]

Great video and great timing for it. I just finished Frankl’s “Man’s search for Meaning” last week and prior to that I read your “Unoffendable”. Good stuff. Keep up the great work.

[@bkraj26]

This video gave an important message for me when I felt depressed. No words to Express, thank you for posting such a great videos.

[@john_c1]

Thank you so much! This is the most powerful and eye opening message I've come across in a very long time

[@everettedl]

This is really similar to not doing something and it will happen. You're so focused on something bigger that the smaller thing happens automatically. The funny part is, by that time, you no longer care about having the smaller thing. Life is so funny sometimes. Great video man.

[@error-4057]

This is fcking bathling to me to watch this video on this day. It´s the anniversary of my suicide attempt last year, after thinking about suicide from Age 13 - 27 on an almost daily basis because of my upbringing. Live was meaningless and i just wanted to escape from this constant pain. I was ready to die for years on end. The only thing keeping me alive was the compassion i still held onto for the people around me. Because i didnt want to spread my pain to my loved ones. But last year i cracked. Im not gonna go into details but i aborted my plan at the right time and saved myself. Well i ended up in the hospital and there i found out that the Mental Health System in my country is all about making money. And i was back at it again thinking about the end. Yearning for it. But then i realised that at the end of the end i wanted to die because of the world around me and my standpoint towards it. And thats when i realised that the world around me is not gonna change. The people around me wont change. The only thing i could actually change and have any kind of Agency over in my life was my own inner world. My Thoughts, my Emotions, the way i react to the world and the people in it. So i made a decision for myself. Im gonna retreat mentally and emotionally from the world and from my point of view only give 10% of myself to the world. To give myself the necessary internal space to able to work on myself and hopefull find my own reason to stay alive and keep on going. Not really changing anything in my day to day activities. Just detached from the world and its currents that used drown me everyday. Funny thing is no one really noticed. I still acted the same way towards others but my inner world had changed drastically. After a couple of months i had done so much internal work that almost every major "mental & emotional scar" i received up till this point in my life simple by being there for myself. Should someone be interested in how i did it. I basically sat myself infront of a mirror and started talking to myself about the things that hurt me most in my live and just let it all come to surface and let it sweep over me.Which i had never alowed in my life up until this point. But seeing the pain i had held onto all my life right in front of my own eyes. It broke me. I always felt all that pain inside of me without actually seeing it at face value. But that was necessary for me to be able to actually feel compassion for my self for the first time in my 27 Years on this planet. And from there on out i just raced through those really heavy painful emotions and memories that i never thought could be healt. But now i sit here only one year after finally going my own way in life and being there for myself like i used to only do it for other people. Let me tell you all this pain and suffering was worth it. Because without it wouldnt be the person i am today. And after years of hating myself and wishing for my own death to eliviate the pain for myself and the perceived burden i put on other people simply by existing. Which is actually funny because i did nothing else than sacrifice my own Mental and Emotional Well being to help others with there own sorrow without wanting anything in return because i thought that that was my only reason for me being alive. To be a useful tool that gets discarded the moment it is no longer useful. But thankfully I can finally say i found peace with myself. So now i am at a place of mind where there is no more need for my live to need a meaning. There is nothing left for me to do on this journey. No grant goals to achieve or certain postions i want the hold. No just being alive and enjoying the journey towards my natural death is more then enough "reason" for me to be alive. Just enjoying the little everyday things that occure in a human life span. No longer chained by my indoctrination imprinted by the world. Finally free. Walking my own way till the end and embracing the end with peace in my heart. Hope this little rant can help a poor sould out there. Stay safe everyone and cut yourself some slack. We are all goin to find our own way. Everyone in his own time and place.

[@kxxc]

Einzelganger there is no any words that describes my thanks to you . Your channel literally makes me feel good . Keep posting more I'll be rooting you.

[@sophieacapella]

So much to think about with this wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing it !

[@antoniodg2673]

Your seeking of happiness, creates sorrow. You're seeking for meaning, will create more lack of meaning. I've learned to embrace my meaningless life, my sorrows, and my death, and through it all, I've became alive without being happy or having meaning in my life.

[@tamerlane1]

Acceptance works like magic

[@Biconnecc]

Your*

[@True38]

I think some of the best things you can do in life is just to continuously challenging and improving yourself through hard work. Overcoming challenges and obstacles is very satisfying, at least for me. That, in it sense gives life meaning. To strive for something, to set a goal and achieve it. It's all about the process, not about losing or winning. I've probably lost more than I've won in my life, but once you win and get that good circle going, life is pretty awesome! Also, yes life is pretty much meaningless and whatnot, but look - you have to do something either way. You don't need to start a big family unless you want to but you have to work one way or the other. So why not just go for the best and biggest things in life? Is it really better to settle for less, get lazy and do nothing? That's not very meaningful. I say; Work hard and play hard. Most people do neither so that, at least for me, gives me a big advantage. In fact, it's ridiculous because I can never get a normal job again because of my qualifications, and even when it comes to relevant jobs, I get the same old "your overqualified" feedback. Oh well, I have my own businesses as well so I'm good :)

[@yorgouh3296]

... Until tomorrow, where you'll fall again in the trap of existential suffering

[@JaysonT1]

@@yorgouh3296 Then you accept again.

[@AGR96]

I can't describe how well and mindfully your videos (and particularly this one) are put together. You are wonderful! Thank you!

Thank you!

[@TrietLyCuocSongGSH]

He is the most inspiring person I have ever met, I listen to a lot of his stories. Those shares changed me a lot for the better when I heard those profound shares from him

[@MrFryhead957]

Definitely one of the best channels on KZbin. Thanks for these amazing videos

[@Hoonters-goona-Hoont]

"Devoid of meaning and faith that things could turn out more favourable, our bodies and minds begin to wither as we have lost our will to live." You can see it after every crisis. Mental suffering in it's many forms both intrinsic (Post-Trauma, Depression, etc.) and extrinsic (Acute Trauma, Stress, being in a bloody concentration camp) is one of the strongest indicators for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal oncological and autoimmune disease. Being dead inside can be taken a lot more literally than just having a bleak state of mind. Every single person that made it out of these horrible camps and managed to hold out at least another decade or two is a goddamn miracle of willpower.

[@SamuelBlack84]

I'm sure a big part of that willpower came from hoping they could put a bullet in the guards heads

[@anindamgoswami8469]

Beautiful explanation. Thought provoking and very easy to grasp. Keep up the good work!!

[@logicake]

When we are no longer able to change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

[@durrelllevy196]

I read Victor frankyls book a few years ago. It changed my life completely. Thanks for the content.

[@abhishektodmal1914]

Hey, I wished to thank and compliment you on the effort you put into the making of these videos. They are such a treasure trove of upliftment, knowledge, serenity and encouragement. Your channeling of energies are immensely appreciated, and I wish you all the very best, sending you love, joy, and peace :)

[@SuperVladdrakula]

How dense you are...

[@moonbeam54321]

we all have something in common for clicking on this video, we are all figuring it out, together. Find your community and find meaning. Good luck on your journey ❤

[@emilyjanice7029]

Wooow, l watch this channel daily and most times l just have too much to contemplate about....so much wisdom. Thank you Einzelganger

[@bawselife6859]

Omg i literally just finished the book. giving meaning to your suffering .. growth through the suffering ..coming out stronger

[@Tom.A.]

What an incredible, amazing video. So well done and what a great message. Subscribed!

[@lover5012]

Sometimes i still struggle to find meaning. But after I read a text on the topic, hypothetically inspired by Marcus Aurelius, I now know. I wanna live life according to my own beliefs and values. Sure there may be some specific things I wanna do, but I found the above to be more fulfilling. Why struggle day after day to find meaning based on external circumstances? Either to build something, achieve something, support something etc. No. I rather define some basic values like "to be honest / grateful / dedicated and committed / helpful / not taking back my word / doing the best I can despite what I have" and apply the above, to each and every situation I come across my life. So in the end, I will have a meaning regardless where and what I end up doing.

[@007lutherking]

Hmm. So basically you're saying that you're embracing your good side, but you haven't realised/actualised your bad side. You are not aware of what the highest possible good looks like and you should know that that to live is to sin and each of your actions will still be tainted by a hint of your own darkness and to have absolutely no reason to be good unless you believe in god then you're just being good bc you don't wanna go to hell. Stop self shackling yourself with the curse of embracing your good side if you haven't unlocked its full potential yet. Be normal, do what appeals to you, chase your anxieties be naive, see where that takes you..

[@lover5012]

@@007lutherking @Clarence @Clarence Am i subduing my bad side, while i am trying to live an ideally life filled with only good things? If I understood that correctly, then, it seems I once more need to re meditate my "subconscious", my actions. Cause indeed, each action may be "tainted" like you said by darkness. Like where there is dark there will be light as well. If I deny to embrace my other side as well, then how can I be whole; ⚖️ Sometimes people are not seeing a situation, an act, as clearly as it may be. Other perspectives are always welcome. Thanks for your opinion.

[@007lutherking]

@@lover5012 the only way one can live without darkness is to stop existing. If you choose to live then you get to decide how much darkness you're willing to embrace and if you're gonna be embracing darkness anyways.. Why not go all the way?

[@TheEmster2011]

Amen

[@justincrabtree6748]

Powerful words💯thanks for sharing

[@MID11]

Excellent summary of the book that changed my life. I was obsessed with the question I asked the Life - why do I live, what's the meaning. Frankl said that it's not you who has to ask that question. Life is asking YOU why you are living and your task is to answer

[@savageantelope3306]

This book has been an underlying thing keeping me going for the past year, easily one of my favourites

[@lifesabeach2022]

Very beautiful message. I whole heartedly agree with Dr. Victor Frankl. Something everyone should hear atleast once in their lifetime and the wise will take this to heart but the fool will go about searching for status, material, fame, money, and all other meaning things under the sun.

[@drakuslavic7611]

Perfect timing I'm in that mood right now.

[@P1lar2012]

I was going to post the same... my energy is zero 😴😴😣😣 and i know is not physical, just my brain that is not in the mood to "DO"

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

For me,the same.I can stay hours on my bed,all day long with my smartfone,boring place where I am,and watching this world completely upside down. And as retired,the small money I get from retirement is totally unable to fulfill my desires.Pathetic.

[@jJust_NO_]

arent you afraid though? i get scared watching videos like this. i knpw the influence it sometimes get to my mode of thinking

[@P1lar2012]

@@jJust_NO_ no ..not afraid..it depends how much tou are open to know yourself... i dont take what only 1 video says about it.. for instance, the book he is mentioning here, i already read it 2 years ago. I have also watched other videos, which claim that you dont have to find your purpose..there are ton of people that die without one, and can live a simple life... when the pursue of life purpose becomes a joy killer, then i believe that must be another way...

[@Reree-gz5bg]

Either I overthink or underthink about life. Especially mine. Cuz I can overthink/analyse all the things I did wrong/right. But I also can make changes in my life & not dwell past errors. I decided to watch this cuz during my depressive funks, I have 0 energy & 0 will to care to exist

[@rudygoofysrh]

Thank you for sharing this. I have three missions in life and business: 1 for family and 2 for helping improve my community. I realize what I am working towards. Success will come to me more and more when I stay committed to my missions in life and business.

[@WonderMagician]

Thank you for sharing Dr Frankle's deeply considered response to this fundamental human issue.

[@n0madfernan257]

at one time i've thought that if someone would just die it would end their suffering and pain. but then i thought, life is meaningless, we put meaning to it.

[@sampetrie340]

Perhaps. Or perhaps existence is full of meaning, which we don’t always perceive, and our task is to tune into it.

[@SamuelBlack84]

If life had a meanibg set out by some higher being, then I would demand for that higher power to tell me straight. I'm not playing life's games or jumping through hoops to attain some pathetic awareness. I want to know right now

[@colinsmith1288]

Sometimes there is no purpose to life if people around you have taken it away from you. Children in particular who are horribly abused and ignored by society are such people.

[@oliviachipperfield6029]

This was an awesome presentation! Thank you so much!

[@huzaifanihal7698]

This Is one of the Most Amazing Video i have seen so Far on The Topic of " Finding Meaning in One's Life "... Great Work 👍❤️

[@LahLahMan]

Trying to figure this out in my late 30's, feels hopeless sometimes.

[@King12Daniel]

It's never too late. Life can change for the better within seconds.

[@deuxquatresixhuit]

I get it. But giving into the hopeless feeling means you're likely making two false assumptions: 1. You know what's going to happen in the future, and 2. It's going to be shitty. Stay open, my friend. Daniel's right, things can change in ways we can't predict.

[@AlbionRising]

When nothing works, try being of service to others. It could be from feeding the hungry, to even being an ear to someone close to you. That will already work, and then you'll be encouraged to do something creative. When I'm down, helping others gives you the biggest boost of meaning. 😁

[@JaysonT1]

I started at 32. I have had several times feeling the same. It is a process and a journey. Pain is the work. Without suffering, there is no change. All things are as they should.

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

@@King12Daniel Or it can become disastrous in seconds

[@AB-wh5rr]

The meaning of life is to find your purpose, the purpose of life is to give it away

[@MrJamiez]

But In the end it will be meaningless.

[@nvmffs]

@@MrJamiez Only if we make it meaningless. If you only drink and party then yeah, it'll probably be a wasted life.

[@reneelynn444]

Venerable Nick, thank you for this and all of your videos. I am a people pleaser by nature and your guidance and advice here has led me to an epiphany and a way for making a positive change. I admire your carefully contemplated communication. And what a great laugh. Namaste

[@au_gmentedreality]

LETS READ! HUGE FAN. I watch for internal motivation. These philosophy, and life questions help me alot. Love these man, don't stop

[@OneWayReality]

This video is the perfect summary of the book Man's search for meaning by Viktor Frankl. I have read the book and I feel that this video very shortly summarized that book and I love this video. My request, could you please make a video on Meditation by Marcus Aurelius...

[@justsomeguywhowatchanime6314]

Wow, what a coincidence!! Before I opened KZbin I was reading man's search for meaning

[@JaysonT1]

Did they make an Anime version of that?

[@justsomeguywhowatchanime6314]

@@JaysonT1 it's a book written by a Holocaust survivor

[@uchicha666]

@@JaysonT1 haha

[@athrian]

"There are no coincidences" - KZbin

[@Alltoofinite]

It’s called algorithm

[@user-xr1xs1zy2z]

Watching this channel is reason enough to look forward to living.

[@gullwingsyrp88]

You are a genius, a great presenter. I showed my 12 year old this video and we enjoyed it very much.

[@Mugairyuiai]

I needed this, I am getting more nihilistic by the day and I don't like it, time to push through, without pushing. Thank you 🙏🙏

[@konan8353]

I picked up a few hobbies and I'm excited to wake up in the morning, I have no time to dwell on anything existential (needlessly and painfully). Activities where doing it, in and of itself, is enjoyable, are the best. I love being on my longboard. I can skate with friends, or alone, and I can improve within my chosen discipline endlessly. If I so desire I can get competitive, or I can keep my progress to myself. Find something you enjoy.

[@Mugairyuiai]

@@konan8353 Thanks Konan, there were a few pursuits I enjoyed, unfortunately I let them slip due to a series of painful life events that unfolded over the course of the last year. Some I am still trying to come to terms with. However, I have moved forward over where I was a few months ago. Not a lot, just a bit, but I'll take it. Wishing you well 🙏🙏

[@Duske3000]

Thank you for this. In suffering do we truly find ourselves. In suffering do we rethink our purpose. There is beauty in life, even when there's suffering.

[@SamuelBlack84]

The suffering of my enemies is what gives me beauty in life

[@cynicalafflictional1725]

So Much To Appreciate Grateful

[@alexanderkracinovich6123]

This video deserves a like, comment, and bump to reach as many people as possible. Finding the "why" to live is so many people's greatest question, that it is deserves the great thought and attention of our minds. I hope this comment is a net positive for the world of humanity.

[@bondpaz]

I read Victor’s book and met him. He was such a brilliant man. Great video. ❤️

[@Tya2019]

Happy for you ☺️ 💐🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@shawnsh]

book title please?

[@bondpaz]

@@shawnsh Man’s Search for Meaning

[@dreamtube3433]

How old are you? And where did you meet him?

[@bondpaz]

@@dreamtube3433 I’m 58. I met him in Texas. He was doing a book tour and signing. I was only 13. He spoke at our school. I never forgot.

[@Lordbobomb]

I used to be in a situation where I felt my life had no meaning, I turned that view from negative to positive. It's honestly great having a boring and mundane life! I don't have to fight in wars. I have a small group who I converse with when they feel like it. When I'm bored I just enjoy that I can be bored. When I go to work even when it was flat out terrible I just think; eh it's just a few hours. And then my life got some excitement. Got a new job, a loving Fiancé and it feels just as great! I learned how to be alone, bored, and without meaning. The best thing you can honestly do for yourself is to learn it as well. The excitement is nice but so is being without it for me personally. Sure it sounds awful. But for all the stints of excitement, temporary thrills and fleeting satisfaction you lose, you gain long term happiness, peace of mind and stability for yourself. Hell maybe even this could be a meaning / goal for your life. Who knows?

[@hissyfitz7890]

My partner & I have been labeled as ‘boring’ … keeps the dramatists at bay. 🤭🤭🤭

[@Lordbobomb]

@@hissyfitz7890 Me and my fiancé are wanting the same thing, just have things be boring and peaceful and hopefully have people like that stay away.

[@hissyfitz7890]

@@Lordbobomb - Wish you well on your search!

[@Lordbobomb]

@@hissyfitz7890 And I wish you the best as well!

[@hissyfitz7890]

@@Lordbobomb - Thanks! Living the dream we could never have imagined! ☺️

[@desertportal353]

Concise and so relevant now. Thank you.

[@sleeptube1911]

One of the best video ever watched on KZbin.

[@usedsweatpants799]

I'm 37 and for the last 2 years I feel lost like never been. I have a great life , family , friends, bride , my pets and a good job ( even though dead end one ) I'm healthy , love and am loved but I feel at times like I have nothing . I never knew what I wanted to do or be and I think in part that is the problem. I get mad and sad for not being grateful when I should wake up day in and day out feeling grateful for what I have and for not having to go through what millions go and have gone , but I simply feel that what I have it's not enough. I search , think and wait for a eureka moment or to stumble in such good fortune like many did but nothing happens. I lack motivation to learn new things and skills. I look at degrees online that might interest me and nothing grabs my attention . The few things that grabbed, I legit didn't feel interested, just felt that I should do that to enrich the cv. I feel stupid for " complaining " when ppl are going through much worse but it's like I have this void in my chest that I can't seem to fulfil no matter what.

[@mattormrod7843]

I get you, I’m in the same place

[@leafyleafyleaf]

Volunteer some of your time. Help others with your talents. Even a small amount. It will change your life.

[@The.Lone_wolf]

This channel has precious knowledge 😘😘

[@lamthenews]

All ur videos are so informative for me, I always learn from them.... thank you!!

[@sava.vojnovic]

I needed this. Thank you.