KellyOnBooks book recommendation 1 — Man’s Search for Meaning
After producing the video about AI depression detection, I received many private messages from my friends and colleagues. From these messages it was evident that everyone experiences pain to some degree and sometimes is even tortured by negative emotions. But we can choose to shorten the painful time and face reality bravely. Remember to forgive ourselves at that moment, because no one is perfect. Love yourself, improve yourself and create yourself!
I especially recommend two books that have helped countless people. The first book I recommend is “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. You can watch the video version of my book recommendation.
Man’s Search for Meaning has published in 73 editions, more than 9 million copies sold and with more than 20 translations. The author, Dr. Victor Kodor Frankl, was a survivor of Auschwitz and the founder of the “Third Vienna School of Psychoanalysis”, with “meaning therapy” as its core. This book tells how people find meaning in life through suffering in an environment of extreme pain, how to detach themselves from difficulties and refill themselves with love.
Here is an excerpt from the book:
“Even in a concentration camp, people still have a choice. Under the terrible psychological and physical torture, there were still people who had a trace of spiritual freedom and spiritual independence. They went from one cell to another, comforting others, and sharing their own last piece of bread, although the number was small.
Such choices are everywhere. Every day, every minute, you have to make a decision, decide whether to bow to the power that takes away yourself, and decide whether to give up freedom and dignity. Despite lack of sleep, insufficient food, and mental torture, what a prisoner ultimately becomes depends on his inner decision, not just the impact of the concentration camp environment. In a concentration camp, you can also decide to maintain your dignity. Those uncontrollable forces can take away everything from you, except for one, that is your freedom to decide how to face these forces. You can’t control what happens to yourself in your life, but you can always control your feelings and behaviour. ”
I am introducing this book to help you understand and feel the power of ideas and will. Frankl still chose to live in such a painful environment because he was able to surpass the dangerous reality and he was full of hope for the future. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world have said that everyone is equal in front of pandemic, regardless of race, poverty or wealth, and social status. Depression is the same. Instead of seeking help from objects and others, it is better to change your own ideas, strengthen your heart, improve your ability to adapt to the environment, and think positively!
About KellyOnBooks
KellyOnBooks aims to review classic books, share life experiences and feelings with you. Let us learn wisdom and grow together!