“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.