Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl

"One should not search for an abstract meaning of life. Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life to carry out a concrete assignment which demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus, everyone's task is as unique as is his specific opportunity to implement it.

Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life an answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible. Thus, logotherapy sees in responsibleness the very essence of human existence." - Viktor Frankl

For now and for the future, I believe I’ve found a meaning in my life - one of many I'm sure. I’ve looked back, and this is something that I enjoy doing consistently. I’ve been doing this all these years already. And I don't foresee any change to this M.O.

I like to teach. I like the share what I know, what I’ve learned, how and why anything is the way it is. I like to give my opinion and share facts.

I remember thinking on multiple occasions throughout my life that I'd enjoy being a teacher. I think realistically that's not the career path for me. But I already consider myself somewhat of a "teacher." Whomever I have the opportunity to educate or share ideas/facts/opinions with may already be learning from me. I will also never stop being a student. Perpetual learning is something that I've always believed in, regardless of age. And in my own education, I can pass that along as a "teacher" for others. Knowledge, like communication, is a two-way street.

My recent ponderings have stemmed from finishing this book, and so I'm sharing:

"According to logotherapy, we can discover this meaning in life in three different ways: (1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering."

Have you given thought to the meaning of your life?


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