Yes to Life

In Spite of Everything

By: Viktor E. Frankl, Daniel Goleman - introduction

Narrated by: Joelle Young, David Rintoul

Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Find hope even in these dark times with this rediscovered masterpiece, a companion to his international best seller Man's Search for Meaning.

Eleven months after he was liberated from the Nazi concentration camps, Viktor E. Frankl held a series of public lectures in Vienna. The psychiatrist, who would soon become world famous, explained his central thoughts on meaning, resilience, and the importance of embracing life even in the face of great adversity.

Published here for the very first time in English, Frankl's words resonate as strongly today - as the world faces a coronavirus pandemic, social isolation, and great economic uncertainty - as they did in 1946. He offers an insightful exploration of the maxim "Live as if you were living for the second time", and he unfolds his basic conviction that every crisis contains opportunity.

Despite the unspeakable horrors of the camps, Frankl learned from the strength of his fellow inmates that it is always possible to "Say yes to life" - a profound and timeless lesson for us all.

©2020 Viktor E. Frankl (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“The case studies are relatable and the overall viewpoint convincing. More than 70 years later, Frankl’s philosophy still inspires.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Stands the test of relevancy today

Feels relevant for today, considering the amount of hopelessness and doom forecasts. Take action, he says. I’m inspired to say that we can still turn this thing around. Primary all our congress out in three months, and install rank choice voting at the least.

Excellent

Appropriate for the times we live in about the importance of purpose. Finding and cultivating meaning reaching out to one another with joy.

Franklian perspectives will orient you towards purpose

At the offset, I’ll state that the performance is wonderful insofar as it is respectful and appropriate. The cadence of speech is just right for my ear.

Dr. Frankl’s story is worthy of five stars in every instance.

This book is one I’ve used as a therapist with clients who have suicidal ideations, and the feedback I have received on using the book in this way is overwhelmingly positive. For those among us who experience despair (all), this book is deeply relevant.

Gave me some hope and peace

As i was listening to this, I became hopeful and peaceful. It gives a tremendously good insights about life. This is very convincing and touching because the author is who went through the disastrous event. Say yes to life in spite of everything.

Good but unnecessary after the main book

Man's Search for Meaning is incredible. Yes to Life is the same ideas in a different form and without the background. Which I thought made this book unnecessary.

True to Frankl

I enjoy reading/listening to books about perspectives, principles and various aspects of psychology. For me, this book gave a little more “behind the scenes” info on Frankl’s main work Man’s Search For Meaning, especially since it was written before his book made publication.

I personally disagree with some of his perspectives regarding suicide, but given the era in which they were written, it makes more sense. As a global society I believe mankind has made or is making progress past this in compassionate perspective.

That being said, Frankl has provided food for thought and this was still worth the listen and I have already asked some friends to read it so we can discuss.

If you like Frankl’s work, you will also enjoy this.

There is a reason to live.

The lectures are well thought out and presented. The case for dying should be left to fate.

The story.

It was ok, I was expecting more examples of situations but overall I enjoyed listening to the topic.

Serious, helpful and insightful in troubling times

A broad, non-harping, non-judgmental expression of opinion that is timeless and appropriate for 2020. I will re-listen to as needed.

Exquisitely meaningful.

Everyone should read this book once, if not once per month. Frankl’s works have given me strength and direction through twenty years of love, toil, hardship, and peace.