Meaningful Living

In our world, there is a growing unease, a sense of frustration and anxiety among individuals from all walks of life. There is a gnawing feeling that maybe there must be something more than “success,” a promotion, the latest technology, a new car. The question that comes to mind is “is this all there is?” “Could there be something more?” “Does my life have meaning?”

Meaningful Living, (2nd expanded edition) by Elisabeth Lukas gives a thorough introduction to the theory and practice of logotherapy. Individual chapters detail the application of modulation of attitudes, paradoxical intention, dereflection, and the suggestive technique. Numerous case studies are used to illuminate the theory throughout. Elisabeth Lukas and Bianca Hirsch present a concise overview of logotherapy theory and praxis in the second part.

Meaningful Living is a lucid, down-to-earth guidebook illustrated with case histories that include verbatim dialogue. It can be read as a self-help book, revealing tools to apply logotherapy in our own lives, or used by professionals as an introduction to the practical application of logotherapy in practice.

Lukas explains the need for meaning in critical moments, discusses the inevitable causes of existential frustration, and goes on to describe techniques for modulating attitudes and bringing about change. Meaningful Living helps readers to take a fresh look at themselves, the opportunities in front of them, and their inner resources, whatever their religious, humanistic, or atheistic bent.