Month: May 2026

“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.”

This quote is by Viktor Frankl from his book Man’s Search for Meaning.  A few weeks ago I wrote a post based on another quotation from the same book. If you haven’t read Man’s Search for Meaning, I encourage you to do so.

I believe that keeping Frankl’s words in mind can help us through any difficulties we encounter.  And knowing that these are the words of a man who survived being in concentration camps for three years where there was not only the psychological burden of  being imprisoned, but also forced labor, minimal food or warmth, seeing others die, and being beaten by guards further supports that it is possible to persevere despite horrendous circumstances.

I think about people I know who have serious illnesses and who, even though recognizing that the treatments for the illnesses might not cure them, continue to do what is needed, including experiencing painful side effects.  I think about people who are grieving–missing loved ones who have passed away, feeling alone after a spouse or partner chose to leave them, or missing the job they liked that was ended because of downsizing.  I think of people who had hoped to fall in love and have a committed relationship but that hasn’t happened for them.  For all of them and for all of us, that something that keeps us striving is the “why” of living.  And the “why” of living certainly includes those aspects of each of our lives that give it meaning.

I find Frankl’s words helpful to recall for less “life changing” experiences as well.  When I’m feeling down, I remind myself that it’s human to have various feelings, and I also remind myself of those things that make my life meaningful.  Those reminders can help us often, such as when we’re feeling lonely or disappointed or are having a bout of illness.

Although our world has many bad and wrong things about it, including that which Frankl and numerous others experienced in concentration camps, I’m thankful for the many good and right things that also exist in our world.  They include the positive actions and words of many people, organizations that provide help to people, and ethical and just causes. The good and right things are what make up a large part of that which gives us our “why” to live.

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”

This quote is by Helen Keller, a woman who, although becoming both deaf and blind when she was very young, learned to speak, read, and write and became a well-known author, presenter, and philanthropist.

Keller’s words emphasize the importance of having a sense of purpose.  In addition to it leading to true happiness, as she says, I would add that it also leads to a sense of peace and to a more meaningful life.  As I contemplate Keller’s words, I believe that what she calls true happiness refers to a genuine, deep happiness that is based on something of value, as compared to the more light-hearted happiness that we experience from time to time. 

Keller also stresses that self-gratification does not lead to true happiness.  Keller lived from 1880 to 1968 and therefore she wasn’t as surrounded by the media and advertising as we are today.  Many aspects of our culture, media, the internet, and advertising encourage us to prioritize obtaining items and having experiences that we want, suggesting that that is what causes us to be happy.  However, many people have found through personal experience that being able to have many material possessions may initially make them feel happy, but it is a transient happiness, not a true happiness. And they feel an emptiness as a result.  Thankfully, this experience helps many women and men to realize the importance of finding purpose in their lives.

There are many ways that we can experience a sense of purpose.  Some are by helping others by sharing our time and abilities with them; doing our best to be good parents and grandparents; and contributing financially to and/or volunteering at organizations that support valuable causes.

Having a sense of purpose is vital to living life well.  Trying to discern those things our Creator wants us to do and then trying our best to act upon what we discern lead us to those “worthy purposes” to which Keller refers.