Man's Search For Meaning Discussion

What were two points/thoughts that you took away from this book? Explain why they stood out to you?

Coach K's Response!

1. “Everything can be taken from a man, but one thing... “To choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way”. Pg. 66

I speak a lot about E+R=O (Event + Reaction = Outcome). You can control your R, your Reaction, or your attitude. This is the simplest of ideas and many of us know this, but yet it is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish. To think about how Victor Frankl was able to choose his own attitude in one of the most horrific events to take place in society is incredibly eye opening. Many times we think certain things are difficult, but what we don’t realize is humans are amazing beings and if we believe and trust in ourselves- there are no limits. However, I believe societal norms have made it even more difficult for people today to condition their brains and buy into things because there are so many easy escapes and distracters that help us deal with or ignore our attitudes or true feelings.

2. The idea of tragic optimism. “1) turning suffering into a human achievement and accomplishment; 2) deriving from guilt the opportunity to change oneself for the better; and 3) deriving from life’s transitoriness an incentive to take responsible action”. “Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue”. Pg. 138

Again so simple, but often overlooked. Without suffering we don’t understand the meaning of happiness. I love that Frankl pointed out, everyone is striving for happiness, but it doesn’t just fall in your lap. We need to be realistic and people need to understand happiness takes work. This reminded me of my talks with my athletes this fall.. without losses we don’t understand the meaning of winning. Without failure, you don’t know what it means to succeed. It’s all a process. I can’t help but think how important this frame of mind is now more than ever, as we are seeing a rise in mental illness..