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Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud…

“Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning. The great task for any person is to find meaning in his or her life.” quote by Viktor E. Frankl
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““Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning. The great task for any person is to find meaning in his or her life.””

Viktor E. Frankl

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Life’s purpose is found in meaning, not merely pleasure or power, and each person must discover their own significance.

In simple terms: Meaning, not pleasure or power, gives life purpose.

Key Takeaway

Seek personal meaning.

Themes

purpose existential psychology self‑discovery

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career counseling
  • grief coping
  • education
  • leadership development

Key Concepts

logotherapy humanism values

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives your life meaning?
  • How can you pursue meaning when faced with hardship?
A Different Perspective

Meaning can be elusive and may conflict with societal expectations.

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