(Purpose) Choice and Responsibility: Crafting Your University Story

This article is dedicated to my university students who are actively seeking their purpose. Some found them in a short time, but others are still grappling with their dilemma.

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"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl is a powerful book that processes the author's experiences as a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist. The main lessons of the book are the thoughts that I would like to impart to my students who may still be confused and need more guidance.

The Search for Meaning gives meaning to life

Frankl believes that man's primary driving force is the search for meaning in life. Even in the most dire and hopeless situations, individuals can find purpose and meaning that gives them the strength to endure and overcome immense challenges. In the concentration camps, Frankl observed that those who survived often had a deep sense of purpose, whether it was a desire to reunite with loved ones, a commitment to a higher cause, or the pursuit of a future goal.

Freedom to choose our attitude

Frankl emphasizes that individuals have the freedom to choose their attitude and response to a given situation, regardless of external circumstances. This idea is at the heart of his philosophy, which he calls logotherapy. Even when faced with unimaginable suffering, one can choose how to perceive one's circumstances and how to respond to them. This choice enables people to find meaning in their suffering and preserve human dignity.

Finding meaning in suffering

Frankl believes that suffering is inevitable but it is possible to find meaning in it. We can transform suffering into a meaningful experience through our attitudes and actions. Frankl himself found meaning in his suffering by helping and supporting his fellow prisoners, engaging in therapy, and maintaining a vision for the future. This ability to find meaning in the face of suffering is critical to mental and emotional well-being.

Responsibility to Life

Frankl suggests that individuals have a responsibility to live their lives authentically and meaningfully. This responsibility involves discovering one's unique purpose or calling and actively pursuing it. By living a purpose-driven life, individuals can find fulfillment and contribute positively to the world.

?Frankl talks to my students

The lessons from "Man's Search for Meaning" are profound. If Frankl were speaking to my students, he would talk to them about the importance of finding meaning and purpose in one's academic pursuits, personal relationships, and future careers.

He will encourage them to reflect on their values, passions, and goals, and to make choices that align with their true selves.

Lastly, he will most likely teach them the importance of resilience and a positive attitude in the face of challenges, which are valuable traits for academic and personal success in the university.

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