Finding Meaning in Life, at Midlife and Beyond: Wisdom and Spirit from Logotherapy
Having been mentored by Viktor E. Frankl, the founder of logotherapy, Emeritus Professor David Guttmann authored this book so general readers may understand this approach to finding meaning in life at the point when most of us begin deeply wondering over that question, at midlife and beyond. Especially in this day and age of multiple demands on our time and seemingly non-stop obligations, we too often find that it is only when the dust settles, after a work day or work week, or even after...
Search in google:
Having been mentored by Viktor E. Frankl, the founder of logotherapy, Emeritus Professor David Guttmann authored this book so general readers may understand this approach to finding meaning in life at the point when most of us begin deeply wondering over that question, at midlife and beyond. Especially in this day and age of multiple demands on our time and seemingly non-stop obligations, we too often find that it is only when the dust settles, after a work day or work week, or even after retirement, when we begin to wonder: What is the meaning of life? The purpose? This book is a new millennium venture into those questions and their answers using logotherapy, written by a sage understudy who recalls Frankl, with his logotherapy, as the epitome of his theory even at 80 years old, wise and witty, exuding an energy, enthusiasm and youthful spirit that belied his years by decades. Aging does not diminish our power, our energy, and our quest for life, but reshapes it with new understandings, goals, and needs. But, says Guttmann, we live in a technical and machine-based world now, in which there is a danger of losing our souls. Here, readers find a new, creative perspective on aging and a fresh spiritual outlook.This book will be of interest not only to general readers, especially those at midlife and beyond, but also to their families, friends, and students or professionals in the helping professions. This unique work provides knowledge to find meaning in life derived from the fields of philosophy, psychology, religion and gerontology, with case illustrations and vignettes to give readers both intellectual pleasure and practical guidance.
Pt. 1 Theoretical and Philosophical Approaches to Meaningful Living1 On Old Age That Steals on Us Fast 32 Spiritual Development 133 The Search for Happiness 194 Meaningful Living according to Logotherapy 275 Guiding Principles of Logotherapy 416 The Courage to Be Authentic: Philosophical Sources of Logotherapy 517 The Concept of Meaning in Religion and Literature 658 Life as a Task 719 On Fate and Meaningful Living 7910 Despair as Mortal Illness in Aging 93Pt. 2 Applied Aspects to Meaningful Living in Old Age11 The Gifts of the Gods: Sources for Discovering Meaning in Life 10312 The Importance of Humor and Laughter in Old Age 11313 Dealing with Guilt and Remorse 12314 Coping with Loneliness 13315 A Logotherapeutic Perspective on Death 145Bibliography 163Index 169
