The Book Club: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl with Dennis Prager | The Book Club

What is mankind’s greatest pursuit? In the world premiere of The Book Club, Michael Knowles and Dennis Prager take you through psychiatrist Viktor Frankl’s moving memoir of life in a Nazi death camp, and how this experience shaped his thinking. Man’s Search for Meaning explores human suffering, hope, and the pursuit of purpose in one of the darkest moments in history. Don’t miss it!
In our fast-paced world, it’s tough to make reading a priority. At least it used to be. At Thinkr.org, they summarize the key ideas from new and noteworthy nonfiction, giving you access to an entire library of great books in bite-size form. Read or listen to hundreds of titles in a matter of minutes! Start your free trial today at Thinkr.org: thinkr.org/
To watch more of Michael, check out The Michael Knowles Show on KZbin: bit.ly/2UEJ9a2

[@sicilianeye]

“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” This is what I took away from Frankl.

[@sebton1]

Isn't this phrase from Nitzsche

[@sicilianeye]

@@sebton1 Perhaps. I don't really know, but I do know Frankl used it in Man's Search for Meaning.

[@koobco402]

That's from Nietzsche, quoted by Frankl in the book.

[@donaldclifford5763]

I agree. Read this book twenty plus years ago. My takeaway was the spiritual battle of our lives, laid bare and fully tested in the Auschwitz experience.

[@sicilianeye]

@Run, Jack. Run. The concept is within the quote and to be honest, I don't care whether you read the book or not. I doubt anyone else cares, either.

[@margueritezoe]

21 minutes and 33 seconds is not nearly long enough to do this new series justice!

[@amichiganblackman3200]

I think it's more of an encouragement to to actually read the book. Many people today don't read and should. I think this is a great length. Substantive, but not too drawn out.

[@olmphoto2]

A minimum of an hour works for me---go for two even! (I can always change to double speed on playback ;) )

[@MKCarol-ms7lg]

The length was perfect. They covered the highest points and didn't become boring. People need this info and the majority don't have hours to spend on viewing or reading all there is that is useful.

[@gumbi365]

I agree, the internet is great for long format conversation. Just look at Joe Rogan. I would love for these episodes to be longer. Keep up the guys work guys. I read this book to follow along, I and I dont regret it.

[@sarahoconner7136]

How funny! Prager the jew telling christians what to believe.

[@songmaster9308]

Frankl's Mans Search for Meaning is one of the most valuable books I've read.

[@DCS101]

It is a great addition to anyone's personal library

[@jonhohensee3258]

Song Master - No, it's not.

[@nickc3856]

ok, schlomo.

[@songmaster9308]

@@jonhohensee3258 lmao, you don't get to judge the value of what I read. You only get to judge the value of what YOU read. Too funny :D

[@jonhohensee3258]

@@songmaster9308 - You will listen to what I say! You never read that book. Stop with the lies!

[@mcdolfo9]

You should tell us what you'll be reading for next month so we can too!

[@Tabbyhasbees]

YES THIS PLEASE. I've read Frankl but a reread would still have been great.

[@sayd538]

Agree! I thought thats what was going to happen, if not, it should be.

[@sethgyan]

It's on the prageru site

[@MaynorPinto]

www.prageru.com/series/book-club/ Next book is Hamlet with special guest Andrew Klavan.

[@JoJoJoker]

"There are two races of men in this world: the decent man and the indecent man. Both are found everywhere. In all groups. No group consists entirely of decent or indecent people. In this sense, no group is of pure race."

[@THB_DX]

Weird how PragerU constantly tries to convince their viewers that Democrats/Leftists are all indecent

[@margueritezoe]

@@THB_DX: Where on Earth did you get that idea? Prager has said literally countless times that he knows there are many "beautiful" (by which he means decent) people on the Left. But he also realizes that the road to Hell is all too often paved with good intentions. I think you are confusing descriptors like "decent" with ones like "wrong" and "misguided" -- the latter is how most people on the mainstream Right would typically describe those on the Left. Of course, the _radicals_ -- on either extreme end of the spectrum -- are a totally different story. As are politicians, generally speaking.

[@Dev-zr8si]

@@THB_DX Not really. They make opinion based videos on what they think the left is doing wrong and that's not even that many times.

[@Dev-zr8si]

@@margueritezoe Agree about politicians. I remember clearly how the same people who relentlessly attacked Trump now defend everything he says. I like Trump, but that really made clear to me that they're not pursuing truth, but rather whatever will be in their best interest. This whole party loyalty thing is messed up and really puts a dent on.how the republic was supposed to function.

[@JoJoJoker]

Run, Jack. Run. Viktor Frankl isn’t “trying to sound deep”. That’s a universal truth.

[@kaylam.9973]

This was such a wonderful discussion and now I'm rushing to read the book myself! My only criticism here is that the episode felt so short. However, I realize most people won't (or can't) sit and listen to an hour long book discussion. Well done! I am very excited for the next episode on Hamlet!

[@stephanies.9620]

Did I miss the part where he said Hamlet is next? Or was that info somewhere else?

[@captainskippy4560]

Kayla I hope you like the book. I read it some time ago (I can't remember how long its been) but I love this book and the perspective it gave, not just on the concentration camps but also on life, I really hope you like it.

I thought it was going to be James Joyce double feature: Ulysses and The Dead.

[@kaylam.9973]

@@stephanies.9620 No, you didn't miss it. The info for the next two episodes is on the website. www.prageru.com/series/book-club/

[@stephanies.9620]

Kayla Metschke thank you! I checked the website, but totally overlooked it. Yay for Andrew Klavan on Hamlet! I hope he’ll be a regular.

[@lanesmith1465]

I believe the quote went like this, "man was the creature that made the gas chambers, but he is also the same creature that went in with the Lord's Prayer and the Shema on their lips."

[@wildatheart8894]

I read this book 3 months back. My mind and soul were stretched. My characters were challenged on every page of the book. In the end, love and hope prevail all evils in the world. - and We all have the freedom to choose how we react to our own circumstances. Highly recommend the book

[@NamQuangBui]

❤

[@shimoneliezer2384]

As a child of camp survivors I noticed a huge power within my parents, as if they became strong after from the depth where they were, so that nothing could harm them anymore. Raising a family with ten children after the war was one of the proofs. I had a happy youth. With reading Man’s search for meaning, it theorized all these experiences, feelings and power and gave me a lot of strength and joy too. Indeed: no fear but choice of live. Wish you lot of success Michael!

[@WaltzingAustralia]

Only problem is that I couldn't be there with you, injecting an occasional "Well said," "Spot on," "Great quote," or "Absolutely right." Thank you both for the discussion, insights, and introduction to the book.

[@precepts6644]

Thank you Dennis Prager for all you do. You've been a huge blessing to me. Greetings from Nigeria!

[@Anonymo613]

I've been waiting for this to start. I'm so happy this exists. Thank you PragerU for continuing to bring us important, intellectual and thought provoking content worthy of a second look.

[@andrewbfrost7021]

Michael, Denis, you should end the program by telling people what the next book will be so they can read it before the video comes out. Nice job! I know PagerU is all about the short video. I, for one, would watch a more long form discussion about the book.

[@josphellihsilak4588]

Damn good book. Peterson got me on to this book about 2 years ago, his top 100 is great if your looking for more good reads.

[@lisadixon6617]

Josphelli hsilak Tony Robbins turned me onto the book. I bet JP does have a good list. I still have to finish Twelve Rules.

[@jonnyw82]

Where’s a list of Peterson’s top 100 books?

[@margueritezoe]

@@jonnyw82: 102 Books Recommended by Jordan B. Peterson: www.bookadvice.co/jordan-peterson.html Great Books (by subject matter): www.jordanbpeterson.com/great-books/ A List of Influential Books Everyone Should Read: www.jordanbpeterson.com/books/book-list/

[@Dev-zr8si]

Shapiro's reading list is quite good as well if anyone wants to check it out

[@margueritezoe]

@@Dev-zr8si: Thanks for the tip! It never occurred to me to check it out before, but definitely lots of goodies there too (my wallet is already a bit lighter....).

[@robertallencad1]

I quit drinking and read that book and I remember how he would find a moment to take a break out by that tree behind the fence and that gave him the ability to continue on in the camp. That book is chilling and wonderful

[@welderman1221]

I love to hear you speak, Mr. Prager. You have a pleasant speaking voice, as well as a fabulous vocabulary. There is iron in your words . You dont waste words !! I have learned a lot, and continue to learn from you and the good folks that present different conceptual continuities. Keep up the great work.

[@cutty2404]

Please make these longer in the future! I feel like we barely scratched the surface.

[@matt1178]

We need to know the next book so we can read with you

[@helenorsanic7921]

I’ve read that book several times. I’ve taught it as well. Each time I became enlightened to a different perspective on the human condition and life’s quest for meaning and truth. Thank God for the late Dr. Frankl’s Book.

[@dimitrikoffi5042]

I ordered this book, and I can't wait to have it. This is great initiative, we need more proper books suggestions, so that we recover we what it means to be Human, and Men. Again good job and keep it going.

[@dayanyankov1352]

I love Dr. Frankl's work. Hopefully you do a good job presenting it without exaggeration or bias.

[@2xXInazumaXx2]

Dayan Yankov bias is impossible, but I'm sure Michael will do it justice!!

[@kaltrex9465]

The more you love, the happier you will be. Good statement to live by day to day

[@backwardog1]

Read it... Gave it as a gift to several young men. Powerful stuff. "Smoke then if you got them" has a whole new meaning.

[@brpasin]

Had this book in High School, back when High School was High School.

[@Gendo3s2k]

Man, I swear, Prager has the most awesome voice

[@YoThatsRough]

Great video but these should really be an hour! I’d love to read the book every month to follow along with them but it would be so much better for them to go more in depth with the texts

[@dseanmat]

Thank you very much, Mr. Knowles and Dr. Prager, for this fascinating and enlightening discussion. I'll acquire the book today. God bless you both!

[@RurouniTenShins]

Can’t get enough knowles. Might listen to him more than Ben these days.

[@margueritezoe]

I've turned into a huge Knowles fan myself. I certainly _enjoy_ his show more and am no doubt more aligned with him ideologically. That said, he can't replace Ben... he's still my go-to guy for a more comprehensive, fact-based overview of the issues from a less biased (albeit sometimes frustrating) angle.

[@jennybtx]

He doesn't have TDS. It's refreshing.

[@smokedchedda1421]

I like watching the way his mouth moves when he talks... It's like ASMR.... am I the only one that feels that way?

[@jennybtx]

@@smokedchedda1421 Yes. 😁

[@jeffy5051]

I agree. Bigger fan of him now days.

[@rafaelj.benero4880]

I also recommend "The Doctor and the Soul" and "The Will to Meaning", both from Viktor Frankl.

[@jonhohensee3258]

He didn't write those. I did.

[@forrestlea4515]

This book helped me find a way out of depression and more importantly have me a better sense of myself

[@freedom3594]

This was required reading for my theology class in high school. I need to read it again now that I am 40.

[@Dev-zr8si]

Ok boomer

[@christinezaslavsky647]

DEV ARYAN DOGRA not!

[@freedom3594]

DEV ARYAN DOGRA, ok millennial. Now, get off my lawn unless you are going to mow it. Also, check your dates. 40 ≠ boomer. 😂

[@TheShays]

Free Dom 🤣👍

[@Dev-zr8si]

@@freedom3594 I'm just joking old man, don't get angry at me. I find your story interesting. I'm not millenial btw I'm 19.

[@jacmorales5314]

I am reading this book right now, and it is piercing my heart and soul. The author is right about saying there is only two races the decent and indecent. God bless

[@CJ-lr4uq]

Nobody's decent. The two races are the saved and unsaved.

[@markadams7597]

Great vid. Ty. And it's neat to see Prager. I remember my father preaching Frankl from the pulpit back in the 60s. "We're always free to choose our own attitude," the Reverend convincingly boomed. He and Frankl gave us God's truth! Looking forward to the future book club vids.

[@23Psalm.]

The value Viktor Frankl has added to my life is immeasurable. Dennis Prager really took away from this interview because he went off on how he did this, did that, said on his radio show…but this isn’t about Dennis Prager it is about the book. Michael kept it on track.

[@edwardbatista7920]

Seeing two great intellectuals having a discussion is so refreshing.

[@TyRonKitzeRow]

I’m 58 years old and wish i would have read this book earlier in my life. I’m nearing the books end and I’m so glad you brought this book to my attention while watching your book club.

[@jocquemorrison9785]

"You met people thru their works" powerful statement 👏.

[@boyofGod81]

Thank you so much I have dyslexia so your video today gave me information and knowledge I would never get on my own.

[@ericevans8211]

Thank you PragerU staff for recognizing the need for, and bringing this program about. God bless!

[@mikegriffin6345]

Thank you for bringing that book to light again. I was told to read and report on that book as a freshman in college. That book changed my life. Many years later I tried to find my old book but could not. This morning is the first time I’ve heard anyone speaking of that book. Thank you!!!

[@joaniehiggs6575]

Great start to your new program, Michael!

[@aaronavila2950]

Was watching this video in my school’s library and immediately picked up the book before I left. Learned about it in “12 Rules for Life”, but was convinced to read it from this video. Thank you Michael and Daniel!

[@Joelfeldman1]

A great idea for spreading great thoughts & literature! Michael Knowles is just perfect for this. Love his collaboration with Dennis. Thanks! :)

[@frankm2385]

One of the best books I have ever read. What a life changer and very humbling.

[@phranquiecoull9928]

My late husband introduced me to Frankl shortly after our wedding and throughout our marriage we were able to have many wonderful discussions about the insights that we received from it.

[@mareslsl]

I started reading but it was too depressing now I'm gonna continue bc I got a new perspective

[@MKCarol-ms7lg]

Second part is less depressing. First part is needed to understand how amazing his discoveries were.

[@lydiamalone1859]

Push through. It's worth it!

[@jackieweaver3884]

just got the book today, but can't read beyond 30 odd pages...it is too saddening and i have just gotten out of a slump so maybe I'll keep it aside till the time I'm emotionally ready to read it...

[@genzcurmudgeon8037]

“We had to learn for ourselves and, furthermore, we had to teach the despairing man, that it did not matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life- daily and hourly. Our answer must consist , not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual”

[@danielswann3319]

I took philosophy in college but quit when I wondered. "Why am I here"?

[@lukaseckart8583]

Same here. If one has to ask oneself this question in philosophy class, it already failed at showing even philosophies most basic nature.

[@danielswann3319]

@@lukaseckart8583 I was just making a joke.

[@ergot1803]

@@lukaseckart8583 Which philosophical works have you read if I may ask? You seem to consider yourself a legitimate authority on the issue.

[@francismausley7239]

Excellent talk... "Men who suffer not, attain no perfection. The plant most pruned by the gardeners is that one which, when the summer comes, will have the most beautiful blossoms and the most abundant fruit." ~ Baha'i Faith

[@Qaboosable]

Finally I am taking the time to watch The Book Club and I love it. You are doing well, Michael. Thank you for this episode!

[@stevehardy7584]

How refreshing to come across a programme of this quality on Utube. I studied Logotherapy and Existential Analysis in Vienna under direct pupils of Viktor Frankl and I must confess to approaching this interview with a large portion of scepticism. Totally unjustified. Your passion for the ideas is genuine and given the short time available you presented his teachings clearly and accurately. Many thanks... By the way, I too could kick myself for not going to hear him speak when he visited my home town of Salzburg a couple of years before his death.

[@loserplanet]

Such a great video. Listening to it while I get ready for work. It's making me feel so positive.

[@ginadavis174]

Love this programme. Love these men. Thank you for bringing this programme to the whole world via the internet.

[@RodMartinJr]

Wow! Only 3.5 minutes into this and the goosebumps are having goosebumps! Breathtaking, spiritually.

[@user-gy8uj8rg4n]

I named my son Viktor because of this book. Life changing!

[@Zack-tx7oz]

There is no other book worthy to be called a must read classic in every person's life.

[@artsiecrafty4164]

I remember reading this book while I was going through grief and crisis in my life. Ultimately, I returned to my faith.

[@yesiownfrodo]

Here's the thing: you may have missed the chance to meet Frankl in LIFE, but you can meet him in the next life, in heaven. :) This was an excellent interview. Thank you.

[@JimRodgers]

Such an amazing book. I read it last year after hearing Dennis Prager and Jordan Peterson speak highly about it. Life-changing work!

[@barbaranash4624]

One of my favorite books... could of listened to you guys talk about it for hours. Great topic.

[@richproctor7023]

I love this book! I've read it over and over, and it's great to gain more insight into what it has to offer. Thank you!

[@arlet101]

i wish you uploaded a video of this book club every day. i am loving it!

[@nelsonmiller6216]

Read this book many, many years ago. What I took away is on suffering and how every person is different in volume.

[@grouchywithoutcoffee]

Good choice for your inaugural episode. Man's search for meaning might be the 2nd most important book ever written.

[@TheMindaeva]

What's your first?

[@margueritezoe]

@@TheMindaeva: Typically when people make such a reference, they mean the Bible.

[@viramune9994]

This is the start of my new book list. I've heard of this book before but never got around to grabbing it. No longer. I look forward to finding out what I'm gonna read next

[@pamdale5672]

Thank you, Mr. Prager. Another winner! Your host was a good choice, too. Thanks also for thinkr. I signed up right away.

[@sandral.hamilton8248]

I'm really enjoying this series. Thank you. Please keep it going!

[@Tabbyhasbees]

Slapped a like as soon as I saw "Dennis Prager" and "Viktor Frankl". Did not disappoint. I'm teaching Remarque's Spark of Life this year to Freshman students: I hope the same messages get through to them.

[@greengo9]

What a great start!!! looking forward for this series.

[@greg6895]

That was great! Good luck with the show Michael, I look forward to watching more.

[@tom1b1b8]

Read Viktor Frankl's book in college; I learned a tremendous amount from it.

[@rayace82]

Mr. Knowles, thanks for doing this! I’m excited to follow along!

[@RealTruthCactus]

I loved this book. Very powerful and impactful. I can't wait to see what we're reading next month!

[@davidventura83]

Love this. Great series!

[@timotheeobergoker4325]

Thanks ever so much - It took it as an invitation to read it again. It was an insigthful, intense night! Thanks for preventing me from sleeping - it was intense but very very good!

[@jamesmartin2740]

Such a great series! Can’t wait to discover new books that I’ve never read before.

[@ableasdale2000]

Great book. More of these Book Club's please!

[@localjedi2468]

Great new format. Love it. Keep it up, guys!

[@EliasVergsen]

I have this. Was recommended a while ago and it's great

[@kimberlyrasmussen3208]

i wanted to say think you! I finished Man's Search for Meaning last week. It was a wonderful book very thought provoking! I bought two more copies for presents. I think this is a book everyone needs to read.

[@danpesta4220]

Very impressive beginning. I’m looking forward to future episodes.

[@hanna0322]

I've been waiting for this since the announcement last year. Yes!

[@jweber76]

Just ordered this book. Can't wait to read it...and then share it with my son! I'm really excited about this new show!

[@sanjuro2373]

Joradan Peterson in Canada and we in India were desperately waiting for the book review!

[@seekingtruth6822]

Next to "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen, Man in search for Meaning by Dr. Viktor E. Frankl is a must read. Thank you for the video. Keep up the great work, stay safe, take care, God Bless and Godspeed.

[@JoMama123451234]

1st "self help" book i ever read and one of the best. Thanks for this video.

[@eme9928]

This is awesome!👏🏻👏🏻thank you❤️

[@alm5395]

May we all find the meaning each of us is searching for. . . Kings to us everyone👍

[@joeknipp6698]

An excellent first episode. Looking forward to the next one.

[@toritovalenzuela]

Excellent commentary. Thank you!

[@DCS101]

Awesome! Loved the discussion, book choice and guest. The only disappointment I have is that you did not spend more time together discussing Mans Search for Meaning. Great start to something wonderful! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@jamietheframe]

Guys, this was no where near long enough! Great conversation, thank you :)

[@BirdSaver]

Really enjoyed your discussion about this book. Ordering it today.

[@violinhunter2]

A person always needs something good to look forward to, whether it be a paycheck, a great job, a good meal, a nice personal encounter, a fishing trip, a concert, a shopping trip, a new purchase, a good book, a warm bed, a warm shower, a new car, a radio broadcast, a TV show, pizza, chicken soup, recovery from a surgery, a new lawn, a sweet pastry, great coffee, an orchestra rehearsal, paying off the mortgage, etc....... If you have nothing good to look forward to, depression sets in and you are done for.....

[@Chilbuli_Baby]

How come it's only 21 minutes?!?!! it's not enough to discuss a book😢😢😢😢 please make it a little longer...I'm begging🙏😢🙏😢😢

[@HaIsKuL]

I've argued numerous times that happiness doesn't have teleological (purpose) utility and if it were understood as such, which modernity does, presents its lack having the onus on the individual not just as a disheartening inadequacy, but as an ontologically error itself (that there is something wrong with their very existence for being unhappy). Frankl puts it so goddamn eloquently. "Happiness cannot be pursued. It must ensue." - Viktor Frankl in 'Man's Search For Meaning'

[@lucialuciano1153]

Loved! Thank you!

[@edbrooke75]

I read this book to be able to watch this show and it was a crushing book. I never got emotional going to the holocaust museum or reading Anne Frank, but this book hit like a ton of bricks. But there is so much wisdom here. Thank you for this show.

[@teebrown27]

That was wonderful. Thank you.

[@isabelle4124]

Great video. Maybe consider making the videos a bit longer, even 30 mins like the fireside chats. Would have loved to hear more about this! :)

[@eduardomusic8560]

I agree with you! A video like this, which last 30-40 minutes. Greetings