Man’s Search for Meaning

by

Victor Frankl

Essence of human existence Term Analysis

For Frankl, the essence of human existence is “responsibleness.” We are human because we have responsibilities to others, and more importantly, to life itself. Life demands that each of us find a way to make our time on Earth meaningful.

Essence of human existence Quotes in Man’s Search for Meaning

The Man’s Search for Meaning quotes below are all either spoken by Essence of human existence or refer to Essence of human existence. For each quote, you can also see the other terms and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
The Search for Meaning Theme Icon
).
Experiences in a Concentration Camp Quotes

It is this spiritual freedom—which cannot be taken away—that makes life meaningful and purposeful.

Page Number: 67
Explanation and Analysis:

But there is also a purpose in life which is almost barren of both creation and enjoyment and which admits of but one possibility of high moral behavior: namely, in man’s attitude to his existence, an existence restricted by external forces.

Page Number: 67
Explanation and Analysis:

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.

Page Number: 77
Explanation and Analysis:
Logotherapy: The Meaning of Life Quotes

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 his specific opportunity to implement it.

Page Number: 109
Explanation and Analysis:

Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he should recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.

Page Number: 109
Explanation and Analysis:
Logotherapy: The Essence of Existence Quotes

The emphasis on responsibleness is reflected in the categorical imperative of logotherapy, which is: “Live as if you were living already for the second time and if you had acted as wrongly the first time as you are about to act now!”

Page Number: 109
Explanation and Analysis:
Logotherapy: Critique of Pan-Determinism Quotes

Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness.

Page Number: 132
Explanation and Analysis:
Get the entire Man’s Search for Meaning LitChart as a printable PDF.
Man’s Search for Meaning PDF

Essence of human existence Term Timeline in Man’s Search for Meaning

The timeline below shows where the term Essence of human existence appears in Man’s Search for Meaning. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Logotherapy in a Nutshell: The Meaning of Life
The Search for Meaning Theme Icon
Freedom, Optimism, and Responsibility Theme Icon
Psychology and Logotherapy Theme Icon
...Man is responsible to life to discover this meaning. In logotherapy, “responsibleness” is the “ essence of human existence .” (full context)