by Viktor E. Frankl
I loved this book--UNTIL the second half. Then I couldn't believe the inconsistencies I was reading. The first half recounts Frankl's own experience in Auschwitz from his psychiatrist perspective (fascinating). The second describes Frankl's view on how to define life's meaning (overextended). He writes:
"It is, therefore, up to the patient to decide whether he should interpret his life task as being responsible to society or to his own conscience."
I was shocked to read such a relativistic viewpoint, one that validates even the very Nazi oppression that had torn him apart. Jewish, Christian, or otherwise, it just doesn't make sense. Overall, interesting thoughts but deeply flawed philosophy. Read only critically.
GRADE:
_ _ _ D+ _
Good as WWII personal story, but falls flat when crossing into existential ideas.
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