Viktor Frankl

Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor

Viktor Emil Frankl (26 March 1905 – 2 September 1997) was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor. He is best known for founding logotherapy, a form of existential analysis, and for his book Man's Search for Meaning, which chronicles his experiences as a concentration camp inmate and describes his psychotherapeutic method of finding meaning in all forms of existence.

Early life and education

Viktor Frankl was born in Vienna, Austria, into a Jewish family. He showed an early interest in psychology and philosophy, and by the age of 16, he was already corresponding with Sigmund Freud. Frankl studied medicine at the University of Vienna, where he specialized in neurology and psychiatry, focusing on the treatment of depression and suicide.

Career and development of logotherapy

Frankl's early career was marked by his work in various hospitals in Vienna, where he developed his theories on existential analysis and logotherapy. Logotherapy is based on the premise that the primary motivational force of an individual is to find meaning in life. This contrasts with the psychoanalysis of Freud, which emphasizes the role of unconscious drives, and the individual psychology of Alfred Adler, which focuses on the pursuit of power.

Logotherapy

Logotherapy is often referred to as the "Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy," following Freud's psychoanalysis and Adler's individual psychology. The core tenet of logotherapy is that life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones, and that the motivation for living comes from finding this meaning. Frankl believed that humans are motivated by a "will to meaning," which is the desire to find purpose in life.

World War II and concentration camp experiences

During World War II, Frankl and his family were deported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto, and later he was transferred to Auschwitz and other concentration camps. His experiences in the camps profoundly influenced his work and led to the development of his existential philosophy. In the camps, Frankl observed that those who found meaning in their suffering were more likely to survive.

Post-war life and legacy

After the war, Frankl returned to Vienna and became head of the neurology department at the Vienna Polyclinic Hospital. He published more than 30 books on his theories and lectured extensively around the world. His most famous work, Man's Search for Meaning, has been translated into numerous languages and remains a seminal text in the field of psychology.

Frankl's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of psychology and psychotherapy, influencing a wide range of therapeutic practices. His emphasis on finding meaning in life has resonated with many people, particularly those facing existential crises or suffering.

Death

Viktor Frankl passed away on 2 September 1997 in Vienna, Austria, at the age of 92. His contributions to psychology and his personal story of survival and resilience continue to inspire people worldwide.

Related pages

• Logotherapy
• Existential therapy
• Man's Search for Meaning
• Holocaust survivors
• Auschwitz concentration camp