Perseverance in Suffering: The Relevance of Stoicism and the Story of Viktor Frankl in the Concentration Camps

During World War II, there lived in Austria a psychiatrist named Viktor Frankl. Once, during that time he and his family were one of the victims of being taken captive by Nazi German soldiers who entered Austria, and took Frankl and his family, including Jewish descendants, to a prison complex (gettho). Frankl, who has the expertise, every day, has to take time to actively work providing teaching classes and health services to fellow prisoners.

The situation that befell him, Frankl realized that this situation was an undesirable situation. However, he and his family continue to live it with great fortitude. Perhaps, at that time it was very chaotic. Until 1943, his father died in the gettho due to starvation, after some time after his mother who was killed and then his brother.

Furthermore, his wife, who was pregnant, was sent back to the concentration camp and was killed. Of course, this Holocaust period was very painful for Frankl after learning that his family had died, and he still had to be a prisoner. In fact, Frank himself at that time, in addition to experiencing physical torture, he also experienced a mental breakdown. Until then, American soldiers came, and he was freed from captivity.

After World War II ended, Frank returned to Vienna and wrote a book while treating his trauma and mental exposure. The book he authored is titled "Man's Search for Meaning". Until now, the book is very popular in the field of psychology and has even become one of the basis books on psychotherapy, or logotherapy.

From his book karangn, there is one very interesting lesson. Where he emphasizes that we cannot choose or even change any situation, but we can only respond to it in that situation. That is, if we relate it based on the experience that happened to Frankl, of course it is very sad, and we can only face the situation to stay calm, and continue to live life in order to achieve happiness.

While, from the perspective of Stoic philosophy, or, more commonly referred to as Stoicism, based on Frankl's experience, this reflects the real application of the concept  of the dichotomy of control. In Stoicism, this school of philosophy does not teach to surrender to circumstances at all. Of course, this is as Frankl has experienced.

The dichotomy of control, in the philosophy of stoicism, is one of the teachings and the key to achieving true happiness. Basically, the dichotomy of control is not only about the ability to acquire, but also to maintain. However, what is meant by the dichotomy of control does not mean surrender to the circumstances or situations that befall at that time.

Thus, Stoic philosophy, through the story of Viktor Frankl, has indirectly applied the concept of the dichotomy of control. And in harmony, what has been emphasized in the book, that in life, we cannot choose the situation, but we can only respond to it in what way, and how.

"In any Situation; including suffering in life, through Stoic Philosophy and applying the concept of the Dichotomy of control is key, perseverance does not mean surrender; because we have the right to achieve freedom to live happily".

Come on, to make our lives calm and elegant, click the link: https://collshp.com/terpurukid_ With recommendations for various favorite books for you and women who are restless and looking for happiness. Warm greetings full of warmth to all. Thanks. More friendly info: Instagram @terpuruk_id.

"Be careful! On the journey the Lord is with us". By Terpurukid.

References: Henry Manampiring (2019). Filosofi Teras.