What is the relationship between happiness and meaning Why - Essay Example

Human Quest for the Meaning of Life The humans’ quest for meaning of life seems to have begun from the time they gained the faculty of thinking. Manyphilosophies have evolved over the years defining the meaning. Thinkers from ancient to modern times have applied their knowledge and wisdom in finding the real sense of the word. It looks like Socrates did find the meaning in total resignation to his fate, believing that philosophical wisdom is the true purpose of whole human existence. Therefore he could refuse to budge even when confronted with death.

Living by true virtues seems to be the common consensus that answers the question. In modern times, a parallel to this view becomes most apparent in the philosophical works of Victor Emil Frankl, MD. PhD. Dr.h.c.mult., the most renowned Austrian psychologist. Suffering was the force that strengthened his personality and enriched his character with such grit that he evolved as an individual who retained the ability to feel and express love towards mankind. The three years he spent in Auschwitz, Dachau and other concentration camps in the Nazi Regime, have inflamed his spirit instead of quelling it, thereby transforming him into a most resolute and positive human being.

The conscience of most men would have got distorted by what he underwent; but Frankl resurrected from the grueling experience and emerged as a person who found meaning by surviving a terrible experience. He had rendered his services as a professor and director in many medical schools and universities including Harvard. He had also been bestowed with honorary doctorate degrees by 29 universities and has also won several awards. (Life and Work). Frankl had authored a number of books and articles, which were translated in 32 world languages, but the one that is most relevant to the topic is Man’s Search for Meaning: An Introduction to Logotherapy, published in English in 1963.

Frankl’s approach of existentialism is based on three philosophical and psychological concepts: Freedom of Will, Will to Meaning and Meaning in Life. (What is Logotherapy and Existential Analysis?). He promotes the idea that humans can exercise free will to mold their lives, and a person who possesses wisdom that comes from spirituality has full control over how his life shapes up. This ability further equips humans to identify their purposes and to achieve the goal. Those who do not apply their wisdom in understanding the objectives of their life feel that their basic existence is meaningless because searching and finding the meaning of ‘being’ is the primary element that distinguishes man from beast.

Only people who live by the faculty of spirituality recognize that ‘meaning’ is an objective reality. Those people are able to glean wisdom from their experiences; they understand true virtues and live by them. Such people, motivated by the values of their entity readily understand the purpose of life and learn to live for it. This awareness and feeling of accomplishment render them happiness.Logotherapy is based on the premise that by persuading a person through logical reasoning his sense of unhappiness may not wane; so it seeks to help the person to detect his individual meaning.

Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, deals with this philosophy of how an individual could be assisted in finding his true identities and recognizing his purpose in life so he can derive happiness. Frankl’s insight, the sum total of closest life experiences dealing with sufferings and overcoming them, is of immense value to the modern man as it can help him achieve his goals and find happiness.Frankl’s assertion that man should not set a goal of finding happiness manifests his wisdom gained from tackling the challenges in real life.

That is the reason why he exhorts humans to live life in a genuine manner, abiding by the virtues and values. He believes that the man’s existence becomes purposeful only when he does an act of charity or love and cares for other individual deeply. The element of selfishness becomes immaterial; then only a human can relish the fruit of happiness. This happiness naturally comes to the person as a byproduct of his karma, or deeds, as she has found the meaning in his life. Thus it can be construed that when a human being understands the meaning of his entity, he leads a life that is aimed at common welfare and out of such life he derives happiness.

This feeling should be recognized as a vital component for a meaningful existence. This knowledge is perhaps what makes life on earth meaningful, and it is by this wisdom that the wise men still make their presence felt in this world.Works CitedLife and Work. 18 Feb. 2007 .What is Logotherapy and Existential Analysis? 18 Feb. 2007.