1. Viktor Frankl on Meaning
Meaninglessness is the central problem of the modern world
We can’t find meaning in our lives and so we respond with depression, aggression, and addiction
Meaning can never be found in self-focus and self-centeredness
Meaning can only be found in Self-Trascendence

2. The Existential Vacuum

3. Classic Psychological Theories
The Theories that Frankl Criticizes all depict human nature as self-focused and self-fixated.

4. Classic Theories
Freud – We seek pleasure and only the gratification of pleasure can truly make us happy and fulfilled
Adler- We seek self-esteem/power and on it can fulfill us
Frankl- We seek neither power or pleasure primarily (although we do seek these things); rather, we seek meaning above all else. And Meaning cannot be found in self-focus but only in looking out beyond oneself

5. Frankl thinks that human nature can only be fulfilled by Self-Transcendence
1. Creating a work or doing a deed
2. Loving someone or serving a cause
3. Having the right attitude toward inevitable suffering

6. The Paradox of Intentionality
When we consciously strive to achieve something we usually cannot achieve
Only when we stop trying to achieve it can it then come to us
“Happiness cannot be pursued it must ensue,” & “the cue to cure lies in finding oneself by forgetting oneself.” ~ Viktor Frankl