It’s a strange thought, isn't it? We live in times far removed from the extreme hardships faced by past generations, like those Viktor Frankl witnessed in concentration camps. Logically, finding meaning in life should be simpler now. Yet, paradoxically, the search often feels more difficult today than ever before. Why might this be?

The Emptiness in Abundance

Perhaps the answer lies in the very nature of our modern, affluent societies. We live in an era focused on comfort and satisfying nearly every conceivable human need – material possessions, entertainment, convenience. Consumer culture constantly invents new desires for us to chase. But amidst this abundance, one fundamental human drive often goes unaddressed: the deep-seated need for meaning. Frankl referred to this as the "will to meaning," and its neglect in our society creates what he might call an "unheard cry." We're surrounded by noise, yet this essential longing often remains silent and unfulfilled.

Meaning as an Anchor

The pursuit of meaning isn't just a philosophical luxury; it's a core human necessity. It's not primarily about seeking happiness, power, or prestige. It's about finding a purpose that resonates deeply, a reason why that makes life feel worthwhile. Frankl observed that when individuals grasp a sense of meaning, they gain incredible resilience. They become capable of enduring immense suffering, making sacrifices, and navigating stress without succumbing to despair. He saw firsthand how even in the horrific conditions of Auschwitz, where stress was unimaginable, overt neurotic symptoms often lessened, and the drive to survive, fueled by a connection to meaning (like hope for reunion or unfinished tasks), persisted.

Conversely, when meaning is absent, even a life free from significant external hardship can feel empty. Consider the startling contrast: the relatively low suicide rates in concentration camps versus the concerning rise in suicidal ideation among young people in comfortable, welfare-state societies. When life doesn't present inherent challenges or demand resilience, the question "What is the point?" can become overwhelming.

The Need for Challenge and Ideals

This brings us to a crucial point for young people today. In an effort perhaps to protect them, modern life sometimes shields them from the very things they need to forge a meaningful existence: genuine challenges, inspiring ideals, and strong examples. There's often a reluctance – from parents, educators, and society at large – to present difficulties, to demand effort, or to stand for principles that might cause tension.

But young people need something to push against, something to strive for. They need tasks that test their limits and ideals that lift their gaze beyond immediate gratification. They need role models who demonstrate courage and conviction, not adults who shy away from setting high expectations or offering guidance for fear of causing discomfort. Avoiding tension doesn't eliminate it; it often just pushes it inward, leaving a void where purpose should be. Frankl's work suggests that it's not an overabundance of demands that troubles many today, but perhaps a lack of meaningful ones. We aren't asking too much of young people; we may not be asking enough of the right things.

References:

• Frankl, V. E. (1985). Man's Search for Meaning. Washington Square Press.
  This foundational work details Frankl's experiences and introduces logotherapy. Part Two, "Logotherapy in a Nutshell," directly discusses the "will to meaning" as the primary human motivation and explores the concept of the "existential vacuum" (a feeling of emptiness and meaninglessness) prevalent in modern society (See particularly pp. 108-115 in the 2006 Beacon Press edition, or equivalent sections, for discussion on the existential vacuum and meaning).
• Frankl, V. E. (1988). The Will to Meaning: Foundations and Applications of Logotherapy. Meridian.
  This book provides a more systematic explanation of logotherapy's principles. It elaborates on how meaning can be found through creative values (work/deeds), experiential values (love/beauty), and attitudinal values (the stand taken toward unavoidable suffering), offering a framework relevant to overcoming the modern "unheard cry." (Chapters discussing sources of meaning and the existential vacuum are particularly relevant).
• Frankl, V. E. (1978). The Unheard Cry for Meaning: Psychotherapy and Humanism. Simon & Schuster.
  The title itself speaks directly to the article's central theme. This collection of essays applies logotherapy to various contemporary issues, including the challenges faced by youth in affluent societies, the dangers of reductionism, and the importance of responsibility and values in finding meaning. It directly addresses the societal conditions that can lead to a sense of meaninglessness despite material well-being.