Authenticity: How to Find Meaning and be True to Yourself (inspired by the life of Viktor Frankl)
We are multidimensional beings, capable of molding our character at any stage in our life. Our identity is fluid and malleable, and we can continue to evolve and enhance it to realize our highest potential.
Viktor Frankl had to learn how to master this, having lived in most of the 20th century, one of the more transformative periods in world history.
This Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist is most known for being a Holocaust survivor, but in reality, his contributions to mental health and psychology are his true legacy.
His seminal book, "Man's Search for Meaning," and logotherapy, a psychological approach centered on meaning creation, is rooted in his observations at the concentration camps, where he witnessed unthinkable cruelty and injustice.
Frankl prioritized guiding people to find their deeper purpose in good and bad times. In the process, he discovered himself and crystallized his mission.
To glean wisdom from Frankl's incredible life and work, I invited Alex Pattakos, Ph.D., affectionately nicknamed "Dr. Meaning." Alex is the co-founder of the Global Meaning Institute and co-creator of MEANINGology® —the study and practice of meaning in life, work, and society.
A prolific author, he has written two international best-selling books on the human quest for meaning: The OPA! Way', inspired by Greek philosophy, mythology, and culture, and 'Prisoners of Our Thoughts', written at the personal urging of Viktor Frankl himself.
To learn more about Alex Pattakos and his books at his website.
Interview timestamps:
05:08 ︳How Alex is deriving meaning from his move to the other side of the world
08:57 ︳Alex explains what drew him to Viktor Frankl's work
13:48 ︳The key to developing self-awareness and knowing what's important to you
15:53 ︳The importance of maintaining our individuality
20:53 ︳Why it's more important to be aware rather than talent
22:53 ︳The impact of AI and technology on our ability to be self-aware
27:53 ︳How studying Ancient Greek philosophy can help us find meaning
32:00 ︳How our identity informs our sense of meaning
38:49 ︳Why it's important to derive a sense of meaning from good deeds only
49:47 ︳Alex shares what he learned from his interactions with Viktor Frankl
52:30 ︳Why finding meaning is crucial to our well-being and the planet