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BOOK REVIEW Viktor E. Frankl’s “Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything”

Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, presents a series of lectures that delve into his philosophy of logotherapy, which posits that the primary drive in human beings is not pleasure, as Freud suggested, but the pursuit of what we find meaningful. Drawing from his harrowing experiences, Frankl illustrates how individuals can find purpose through suffering, work, and love.

Viktor E. Frankl’s “Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything” is an exploration of the human capacity to find meaning, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Written in 1946, shortly after Frankl’s liberation from Nazi concentration camps, the book was not published in English until 2020, making its wisdom and insights newly accessible to a contemporary audience.

The book is structured around three lectures Frankl delivered in Vienna, focusing on the themes of freedom, responsibility, and the necessity of saying “yes” to life despite its hardships. He eloquently argues that even in the direst circumstances, life retains potential meaning, and it is through recognizing and embracing this that we can sustain ourselves.

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Mood disorders may help people find leadership clarity

Winston Churchill struggled with depression, and that may have made him a better leader. 

Referring to Churchill, Nassir Ghaemi, professor of psychiatry in Tufts University School of Medicine, states: “The depressive leader saw the event of his day with a clarity and realism lacking in saner, more stable men.”  (Johansen, 2012, p.50)

This was one insight that hit me reading “Leaders Make the Future” by Bob Johansen.  Johansen is the former President and now Distinguished Fellow of the Institute for the Future (IFTF) – an independent non-profit think tank that has produced an annual ten-year forecast for over 40 years.  The 10 novel leadership skills he introduces in this book are worthy of deep consideration. 

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Peace is a Day-to-Day Problem, the Product of a Multitude of Events and Judgements. Peace is Not an ‘Is’ it is a ‘Becoming.’ ~ Haile Selassie

Haile Selassie’s quote emphasizes the dynamic and ongoing nature of peace. His insight urges us to reconsider peace not as a static state but as a continuous process that demands active participation and vigilance. This concept can be unpacked through several key points:

•   Daily Efforts: Peace is achieved through daily actions and decisions, each contributing to a broader, sustained effort. Every act of kindness, understanding, and cooperation helps build a peaceful society.
•   Complex Interactions: Peace is the outcome of numerous interactions and decisions. It is shaped by how we handle conflicts, the judgments we make about others, and the choices we prioritize in our personal and communal lives.
•   Continuous Process: Viewing peace as a ‘becoming’ rather than an ‘is’ highlights its dynamic nature. Peace is not a permanent state that, once achieved, requires no further effort. It is an ongoing journey that needs constant nurturing and attention.
•   Role of Individuals and Communities: Selassie’s perspective underscores the importance of individual and collective responsibility. Each person’s contribution, no matter how small, is vital in maintaining and fostering peace. Communities play a crucial role in cultivating an environment where peace can thrive.
•   Resilience and Adaptability: The concept of peace as a ‘becoming’ implies resilience and adaptability. Societies must be prepared to address new challenges and conflicts as they arise, continuously working towards harmony and stability.
•   Judgment and Decisions: Peace is closely tied to the judgments we make and the decisions we take. Fairness, empathy, and justice in our judgments lead to peaceful outcomes. This requires a conscious effort to understand and respect differing perspectives.

Haile Selassie’s words remind us that peace is a fragile, ever-evolving state that requires constant effort, vigilance, and commitment from all individuals and communities. It is through our daily actions, decisions, and judgments that we contribute to the ongoing process of peace.