Reflections on Yes to Life and Embracing Life by Viktor Frankl
by Jennifer Yashiro
The following are comments from Jennifer Yashiro, who has felt the need to enrich her life with valuable reading on topics pertinent to seniors. These readings come from two books by Viktor Frankl, Yes to Life and Embracing Life.
Briefly about the author:
Victor Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and philosopher who was imprisoned in several Nazi concentration camps during WWII, but survived to continue teaching and writing.
The content of Frankl’s books is especially valuable for seniors who may feel a lack of value as they face situations where they are no longer able to accomplish things externally. The author has a very firm belief that every single life has value, no matter how limiting the circumstances or situation.
Sometimes things may become extremely difficult; in some cases, seniors may experience much suffering. But such situations offer a new way of experiencing meaning. The author states, “Don’t go looking for suffering … and we should try to fix things, if there’s a suffering situation. However, if there comes a point when you have no power to change a situation, no control, you still have your dignity and you still have the ability and the freedom to choose your attitude toward that suffering.” The author gives so many really beautiful examples of people in horrible situations who just chose to justify their value and recognize the significance and value of the situation even in the very last breath of their life.
The author stands so firmly on this point: “People have the freedom and the responsibility to engage with life.” We often ask life to give to us, but life also requires things from us. It seems that the worst thing, in Mr. Frankl’s opinion, is when somebody gives up – because, to him, you can always do something! You can always be grateful! Your attitude matters.
This point really struck me because our members, who may be experiencing illness or poverty or many different kinds of suffering situations, may feel, “I can’t do [whatever], so I’m useless. I’m useless, therefore my life has no meaning!” But, no one’s life is useless. The author gives striking examples of people facing extreme challenges. Still, life is precious!
We hope you will read his books, or perhaps listen to an audiobook of Viktor Frankl’s writings and that from these you will gain inspirational insights, hope, wisdom and strength.