Book CommUnity – Man’s search for meaning by Viktor Frankl
The power of meaning: Finding meaning in turbulent times
Date: 27 January 2022, Thursday
Time: 17:30 – 19:00
On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by the Soviet troops on the 27th of January 1945, Book CommUnity pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, both the millions of people that perished in the camps, as well as the survivors. It is a beautiful opportunity to discuss and reaffirm the importance and efforts of countering racism, antisemitism, and other forms of racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance, and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and openheartedness, especially in a world in which social polarization, division and animosity seem to be on the rise.
Synopsis of Man’s search for meaning by Viktor Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning is Viktor E. Frankl’s extraordinary, moving memoir of three years in Nazi death and labor camps, and is a literary classic and an inspiration to millions. Written after Viktor Frankl survived the concentration camps (1946), the book describes his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II and focuses on how he derived meaning even during these desperate times. He noticed that his fellow prisoners who could find purpose and meaning in their suffering, and imagined the future, found the strength to survive, while others perished. The book’s introduces the concept of logotherapy, which aims to find an individual’s meaning in life. In this way, this book is also a guide to finding meaning in your life.
The Power of Meaning
Mankind has been debating the meaning of life for centuries and is still an unanswered and profoundly personal question. Some people find meaning in God, in serving others, in personal development, in love or in pursuing their passions. It can be very challenging to define your life’s meaning, especially in a world that mostly pursues happiness, and even more so in turbulent times (e.g., a global pandemic, unemployment, illness, living through a heartbreak, depression, a quarterlife crisis, or like Viktor Frankl, as a prisoner in a concentration camp). Join us and reflect and share how you create meaning in your life. It is so essential because as author Emily Esfahani Smith rightfully states: “Happiness comes and goes, but having meaning in life, serving something beyond yourself and developing the best within you, gives you something to hold on to.”
Need some convincing? (There is more to life than happiness – Emily Esfahani Smith’s Tedtalk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Trdafp83U)
About Book CommUnity – Read and Reflect
Book CommUnity explores the capacity of books to provide insights into societal realities. We will be choosing a series of quality books that address different aspects of creativity, shared values, critical thinking, non-violence and identity to read and then to discuss together at relaxed, sociable gatherings at the Intercultural Dialogue Platform. The sessions will start with a short thought experiment and will be followed by discussions. Participants are welcome to suggest books for future sessions.
You do not need to be an expert on literature or anything else to join in. The event should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys a good book and likes to share their ideas and opinions on the parallels between the book and the world that we are living in today.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/m56r5kdftdyxn1vv6