Native American Heritage Month
Eugene Dagon asked this question about Man's Search for Meaning:
Do you think or feel this book still offers a solution to the void in people's life in the 21st century as it did in the previous century?
Sherry Umlah I'm only halfway through this book, but so far I'd wholeheartedly say yes. 2020 has been a challenging year for us all. It's not directly comparable t…moreI'm only halfway through this book, but so far I'd wholeheartedly say yes. 2020 has been a challenging year for us all. It's not directly comparable to surviving in a concentration camp, but we're living in a divisive society filled with sexism/racism/ageism/homophobia during a pandemic/inequality/poverty/large scale conflict/mental health crises and life's calling on us to find our meaning during ambiguous, uncertain times.

Frankl wrote: "Fundamentally... any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of him - mentally and spiritually."

I lost my father this year while experiencing the death of two pets, layoffs at two separate companies in a 365 day timespan, COVID and more. Several of my friends and work colleagues have suffered and endured through all of this similar loss, ambiguity, and uncertainty.

Frankl wrote: "A man who could not see the end of his "provisional existence" was not able to aim at an ultimate goal in life."

I feel like many of us, regardless of whether we experienced a loss in the form of death this year, have experienced a loss of the 'norm.' Our former being/lifestyle/normalcy has ceased to exist. At the corporate level, this has translated into fear and potential reduction in staff. At a personal level, it's called us to question the purpose of our existence.

Yes, a wholeheartedly yes, this book has helped me to understand the feelings I'm having today.(less)
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Man's Search for Meaning
by Viktor E. Frankl
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