why are people who seemingly have everything-wealth, fame & security- are unhappy? why do life’s little things make you unhappy? dr. victor e. frankl’s insights provides some answers.
in man’s search for meaning, dr. frankl states that “a man’s suffering is similar to the behavior of gas. if a certain quantity of gas is pumped into an empty chamber, it will fill the chamber completely and evenly, no matter how big the chamber.” he concluded that the size of human suffering is a “relative.”
so, for those living the lifestyles of the rich and famous, the life’s little things can become the source of their unhappiness. likewise, regular people’s small problems can become emotionally consuming.
frankls’ chamber analogy arguably offers solutions to unhappiness. one way to prevent a gas from occupying an entire chamber is to open the chamber’s door or window. opening up the confined space allows for the gas to release and dissipate . individual’s can seek to address their unhappiness getting out of themselves. they can take the time to see their life from an outsider’s perspective. another viewpoint can lead to the conclusion that things aren’t so horrible.
the chamber analogy can be employed in a crude fashion. some bodily functions can emit offensive odorous gases. other than cracking a window as the solution, one may light a match to solve the problem. a “spark” of positive emotion can also be employed to eradicate negative thoughts.
in sum, dr. frankl’s analogy, realized within the most horrendous of conditions [ a concentration camp], surprisingly provides insight into the human condition in the best of times.
be well!!
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