The Essence of Meaning

I’ve been working to understand The Meaning of Life through the eyes of Logotherapy for over a decade. I can’t believe it’s been that long.

For me, just in the past few weeks, I’ve found meaning in reconnecting with good friends, in working on “Loving” with my wife and my family better, and in experiencing what I can through travel and taking the time to enjoy a beautiful sunset, even if it’s simply in my own backyard.

Of course, life has also given me plenty of opportunities lately to discover meaning… the smoking oil leaking out of my lawnmower and the harrowing thought of that potential expense. The tremendous thunderstorms that flew by making a mess out of a time we were supposed to be enjoying outside. And, of course, the ups and downs of ‘launching’ two young women into the world.

But, even with that, I am grateful I have a yard to mow – sometimes. And I was honored that so many friends gathered in spite of the storms. And, I’m pretty blessed to have two amazing daughters, despite what they have done to my hairline and heartrate.

Sometimes, Meaning is as simple as reframing. Other times, we have to go out and seek to discover it.

According to Viktor Frankl, the meaning of life is not a one-size-fits-all answer—rather, life’s meaning is unique to each individual and each moment.

Frankl’s key idea is this:

“Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones.”

Here’s a breakdown of Frankl’s view of the meaning of life:

🔹 1. Meaning Is Found, Not Given

Frankl argued that life doesn’t owe you meaning—you must discover it. There is no abstract or universal “meaning of life” that applies to everyone. Instead:

“It is not we who ask life what the meaning is. It is life that asks us.”

In other words, life is constantly questioning you, and your job is to respond responsibly through your actions, choices, and attitudes.

🔹 2. Three Pathways to Meaning

In Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl identified three primary ways we can find meaning:

a. Through Work or Doing a Deed

Accomplishing a task
Creating something
Contributing to society

b. Through Love and Connection

Loving another person
Experiencing beauty, truth, or nature
Forming meaningful relationships

c. Through the Attitude We Take Toward Suffering

When suffering is unavoidable, the way we respond to it can be our deepest source of meaning.
This is the most uniquely human pathway, according to Frankl.

“Suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning.”

🔹 3. Freedom of Attitude

Even in the most extreme conditions—like Frankl’s experience in Nazi concentration camps—he believed one retains the freedom to choose their response:

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

This belief is central to logotherapy, the existential therapy Frankl developed, which helps people discover personal meaning in life—even amidst pain and uncertainty.

🔹 4. Life Is a Series of Questions

Frankl flips the usual existential question:

Instead of “What is the meaning of life?”, ask:

“What is life asking of me right now?”

Each moment presents a unique challenge or opportunity for meaning. Your job is to respond authentically and responsibly.

✅ In Summary:

Life always has meaning, no matter the circumstances.
Meaning is individual, situational, and must be discovered.
You can find it through work, love, and how you respond to suffering.
You have the freedom to choose your attitude, and that freedom is the key to meaning.

Want to go deeper? Here is an exercise you can try today, or when you have time:

Frankl-Style Reflection: Discovering Meaning in Your Life

Set aside 15–30 minutes. Use a journal or writing app. Go slowly and honestly. There are three parts, aligned with Frankl’s three paths to meaning.