Transcript M4L 2013 Lesson 5: What is the meaning of meaning?

M4L 2013 Lesson 5
What is the meaning of
meaning?
© Paul T. P. Wong, Ph.D., C.Psych
Overview
• Frankl’s approach of finding meaning
through values & transcendence
• Freedom, responsibility, & selftranscendence as key concepts to
logotherapy
• Three types of enduring values
• Wong’s four keys to unlocking the
meaning of meaning
Every real change begins with belief.
Meaning is based on beliefs.
The overarching beliefs:
(1) Life has intrinsic meaning & value
(2) Every life has unique meaning & value
(3) Every person has a unique calling to
serve others (self-transcendence)
The Three Basic Tenets of
Logotherapy
• Freedom of will
• Will to meaning
• Meaning of life
The 3 Values of Meaning
Attitudinal
Creative
Experiential
Creative Value
Experiential Value
Attitudinal Value
• A defiant attitude of freedom and
responsibility against all
oppressive forces endows us with
human dignity.
• All great achievements are made
by people who dare to take a stand
against all the odds and say, “Here
I stand, so help me God.”
The Defiant Human Spirit
Meaning is the key to resilience.
Frankl’s 7 Principles of Meaning
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Meaning is spiritual
Meaning comes from faith & beliefs
Meaning is based on values
Meaning is responsible action
Meaning is guided by conscience
Meaning is an expression of courage
Meaning is the foundation for
resilience and the good life
Meaning means PURE =
Purpose + Understanding + Responsibility + Enjoyment
Purpose
Involves:
•Life direction
•Calling & mission
•Objective & goals
•Priorities
•Core values
•A sense of significance
•Reasons for living
Understanding
• Understand self & others
• Understand the demand of the
situation
• Know right from wrong.
• Understand one’s role in life
• Achieve a sense of coherence
• Can justify one’s own action
Responsibility
• Freedom of choice
• Self-determination
• Internal control & self
efficacy
• Assume responsibility
of our own life & action
• Civic duties
• A moral agent
Enjoyment/Evaluation
• The natural outcome of leading a
purposeful and responsible life
• A sense of well-being & serenity in all
circumstances
• Feel good for doing good
• This stage involves reflection and
sometimes re-evaluation of PURE.
Conclusion:
What is the meaning of meaning?
• A primary human need for survival &
flourishing
• A unique human capacity for transforming
negatives into positives
• A double-cure: repairing and prevention
• A fourfold-blessing (PURE): Purpose,
Understanding, Responsibility & Enjoyment
The PURE way to a
Meaningful Relationship
Purpose
Shared beliefs, values, & life goals
Understanding
Mutual & deep understanding of each other
Responsibility
Each is responsible for caring for self & the other
Enjoyment
Enjoying time together
www.fb.com/MeaningfulLivingProject
paultpwong.wordpress.com
The Challenge of Meaningful Living