Logotherapy Quote by Viktor E. Frankl
““Man is originally characterized by his "search for meaning" rather than his "search for himself." The more he forgets himself—giving himself to a cause or another person—the more human he is. And the more he is immersed and absorbed in something or someone other than himself the more he really becomes himself .””
About This Quote
Source Book: Man's Search for Meaning, 1946
Human fulfillment comes from dedicating oneself to causes or others, not self‑obsession; true self‑realization emerges through self‑transcendence.
In simple terms: Finding purpose in others defines us.
Key Takeaway
Serve others to discover yourself.
Themes
purpose
self‑transcendence
humanity
Mood
hopeful
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- career choices
- personal crises
- creative projects
Key Concepts
existential psychology
meaning‑making
altruism
Questions to Reflect On
- What cause gives you meaning?
- How do you balance self‑care with self‑transcendence?
A Different Perspective
Self‑sacrifice can lead to burnout if not balanced.
![“[M]an is by no means merely a product of heredity and environment. There is a third element: decision. Man ultimately decides for himself! And, in the end, education must be education toward the ability to decide.” quote by Viktor E. Frankl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ff/viktor-e-frankl-668_decision-making_m-an-is-by-no-means-merely-a-product-of_1599321.jpg)
![“[I]n the last resort, man should not ask "What is the meaning of my life?" but should realize that he himself is being questioned. Life is putting its problems to him, and it is up to him to respond to these questions by being responsible; he can only answer to life by answering for his life.” quote by Viktor E. Frankl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/317/viktor-e-frankl-668_answer-to-life_i-n-the-last-resort-man-should-not-ask-w_3030145.jpg)