Man's Search for Meaning - a classic anyone would benefit from reading

I really enjoyed this one, and it was an easy 5/5.

One alternate title might have been “Psychologist survives Auschwitz and develops new theory for clinical depression treatment”. If that sounds at all interesting to you, this book should be at the top of your to read list.

What impressed me most is that Viktor Frankl managed to write something that was easy to read despite the morbid content. That’s no small feat given the subject matter.

I especially enjoyed hearing about Frankl’s theory of logotherapy. To me it sounds far superior over past-focussed psychotherapy. Often thinking about the future is what makes it worth doing difficult things today. Sacrifice for a better future is the way to be happy, so focussing on the future is the natural way to be happy with your trajectory. If I ever felt the need for a psychologist, I would seek one that practices logotherapy.

I’ve recommended it since, too. Someone I know wanted to read about Auschwitz, and I pointed them here, because it covers some of that history but is very interesting and inspiring for how Frankl handled it.

I think this is a classic that anyone would benefit from reading.