In search of meaning...

Dear Visitors

Students in the ORGL Program at Gonzaga University are off to another great adventure in the Leadership and Hardiness course, studying the attitudes and mechanisms of personal and organizational resilience. This course embraces the Ignatian principle of action by challenging students to not only study various theoretical frameworks and complete projects, but also apply what they learn through an experiential simulation of climbing Mt. Adams. Along this journey they read many seminal works that contribute to a refined and ongoing understanding of resilience. They are beginning this journey by studying Victor Frankl's story - Man's Search for Meaning - as a process of entering a contemplative state of considering their own search for meaning.

Frankl's gripping account of "life in a concentration camp as reflected in the mind of a prisoner" brings to life a story filled with realistic depictions of the experiences of camp life and how these experiences show that man does have a choice of action and in finding meaning in all forms of existence, even in the most dyer of circumstances, and thus a reason to continue living. Through readings and classroom discussions, students learn about existential analysis in the context of their life, families, organizations, and community. 

In reading Frankl's story, it is encouraged for readers to interact with the text by reading and making notes, asking questions, defining terms, and marking key passages. Keep a journal while reading in order to record reactions and responses. Make this book a singular focus to allow for deep reflection and contemplation. Ask yourself: What did I learn from Frankl's story and his life at a concentration camp that has implications for leadership, personal, and organizational resilience? What is the relevance of understanding existential analysis to explore meaning and growth in adversity? What is the relevance of logo-therapy or tragic optimism for leadership? These are some pragmatic yet important questions to ask in authentic living, let alone in preparing for a class simulation that will stretch the mind, body, and spirit. Explain Frankl's theory of success. Do you agree or disagree with him? What is the "ultimate freedom" according to Frankl? According to Frankl, how do suffering and death complete life and give it meaning? According to Frankl, there are three main avenues for reaching meaning in life; what are they? Analyze and discuss these with regard to your own life.

These are questions and thoughts to stimulate but not isolate your thinking and posting.

As visitors we invite you to join our discussion or simply follow our journey throughout this summer.