“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
These are the profound words from Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankel, who found meaning and purpose in his captivity and suffering at Auschwitz. Moving into our individual and collective futures, we will certainly face some suffering, as well as joys and successes. According to Frankel, finding meaning in all life’s experiences is a reflective exercise, and finding purpose is forward looking and intentional. Frankel counsels us to develop these approaches as we embark on this thing called “life.” Professor Gary Watson will explore with students these questions of meaning and purpose in our lives, as we reflect on our past and anticipate our future.
