Books Quote by Joshua Wolf Shenk
““In his seminal book, Man’s Search for Meaning, the psychiatrist Victor Frankl described the essence of what has come to be known as an existential approach to the human condition with this metaphor: “If architects want to strengthen a decrepit arch,” he wrote, “they increase the load which is laid upon it, for thereby the parts are joined more firmly together.” It is similarly true, he said, that therapy aimed at fostering mental health often should lay increased weight on a patient, creating what he described as “a sound amount of tension through a reorientation toward the meaning of one’s own life.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Man’s Search for Meaning, 1946
Therapy can strengthen a person by intentionally increasing challenges, fostering resilience through purposeful tension toward life's meaning.
In simple terms: Facing challenges purposefully builds inner strength.
Key Takeaway
Apply meaningful pressure to grow.
Themes
resilience
meaning
therapeutic challenge
existential growth
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
psychological
motivational
When to use this quote
- Counseling sessions
- personal development
- career setbacks
Key Concepts
Existential psychology
stress inoculation
purposeful tension
Questions to Reflect On
- What meaningful stress can you accept?
- How does purpose shape your response to difficulty?
A Different Perspective
Excessive pressure can cause burnout.
