THE MEANING OF LIFE
What is the meaning of life? Viktor Frankl says it has to do with 1) good works 2) loving somebody 3) responding well to your suffering.
When I first read Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, I was just taking over my dad’s business and wondering if I would acclimate to life in real estate. I figured I would, for my family, but I wasn’t going to make “real estate” my meaning.
Frankl talks about “Sunday neurosis” — “that kind of depression which afflicts people who become aware of the lack of control in their lives when the rush of the business week is over and the void within themselves becomes manifest.” I’ve had that Sunday void off and on for years. I’ve tried the arts. I have some friends in the arts. We talk about commerce versus art. We’re mostly in Cleveland, so we talk about commerce and the arts a lot. We sometimes talk about fame and success. At Heinen’ grocery store, a neighbor said to me, “We’re still talking about the bar mitzvah you played for us eight years ago.” I think that’s important. I’ve provided quality music to the Cleveland Jewish community. I’m not that great of a musician (I’m a better writer!) but I’m envisioning a drawing of a clarinet on my tombstone. And an apartment building?
What is the meaning of life?
4 comments
Have we got a place for you Bert!
Lakeside in the muscians’ section next t Freed’s jukebox.
You better talk to your family about what you want or you’ll get Freed’s “ungaplatzka” memorial
Good thoughts for this time of year, Bert. BTW, my Sunday neurosis generally means that on Monday I get nothing done at the office. (Tuesdays are OK, tho.) may you have a pain-free fast and a happy and blessed new year, filled with all the goodies that Sage Frankl thought were worthwhile.
L”Shana Tova to you and your family. May you have an easy and meaningful fast. Thank you for all the great reading material you have provided your fans over the past year.
Thanks for the thoughtful post.
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