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Adler Quote by Viktor E. Frankl

“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 greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her own 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 greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her own life.”

Viktor E. Frankl

About This Quote

Source Book: Man's Search for Meaning, 1946

Life's purpose lies in meaning, not pleasure or power; finding personal significance is the ultimate task.

In simple terms: Meaning, not pleasure or power, is life’s goal.

Key Takeaway

Seek personal meaning.

Themes

meaning purpose existential

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • career
  • relationships
  • adversity
  • health
  • spirituality

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives your life meaning today?
  • How do you balance meaning with other drives?
A Different Perspective

Focusing solely on meaning may neglect necessary pleasure or power dynamics.

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