Embracing Hope

Embracing Hope

On Freedom, Responsibility & the Meaning of Life

The world-famous physician and psychologist Viktor Frankl had an unshakably optimistic view of humanity. No matter what circumstances, hereditary factors, or external influences we are faced with: the essence of human beings is their freedom, and the meaning we give to our life and the responsibility for dealing with it are in our own hands. Frankl’s reflections on the consequences of our freedom are highly relevant: How much influence do we exert on shaping our own lives? Do we seize opportunities and create a meaningful present? And in doing so, do we respect the dignity of others and tolerate their views?
Three of the four texts collected here have never been published in a book before. They are conversations and lectures from the Viktor Frankl Archive in Vienna that bring to life the full force of Frankl’s thinking about freedom, meaning, and responsibility. This book will appeal both to experts on Frankl and those who are new to his work. These philosophical and psychological texts, some of which have only recently been unearthed, are powerful indeed, offering hope and consolation, admonition and warning.

• Unknown texts by the concentration camp survivor and psychologist
• Freedom and responsibility are hotly discussed topics against the backdrop of pandemic, wars, and climate change