Understanding Meaning

Today,

Understand

Understanding Victor Frankl’s Ultimate Meaning and Religion

Viktor Frankl, while standing in the tradition of humanism and existentialism with Fromm, Allport, and Maslow, contrasts the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud and the individualistic theory of Alfred Adler. Freud suggests that the basic motivational factor for a human being is the “will to pleasure,” Adler suggests it is the “will to power,” and Frankl suggests it is the “will to meaning” and is manifested in the “spiritual” dimensions, which is what is most unique about the self.

In his idea of a meaningful life, or how to become meaningful, Frankl outlines three main chances to achieve such a life: 1) by doing a deed or creating a work, 2) by experiencing something (nature or culture) or someone whom we love, or 3) by changing an attitude to create meaning in the midst of a situation that causes suffering. His theory sees man struggling for the most meaningful life possible or instead being frustrated in his very “will to meaning” by being disappointed and by seeing there is no place for meaning and thus simply floundering in his search.

In going one step beyond simply being as a human being, the religious person strives for an ultimate meaning. There is a new dimension that religious personalities enter by striving for something that may be experienced and perceived in terms of an ultimate meaning. This person is not satisfied with finding a meaningful task to complete, but also includes the awareness of a task giver, which is divinity.

While the “will to meaning” seems to be an extremely common motivational factor for human beings, I do not know if I agree that it is an intrinsic motivational factor of all human beings. I must agree with Freud in his idea of a “will to pleasure.” That is, pleasure is the primary motivating human factor when discussing motivation beyond survivalism, and this is even true in religion. Many religions provide a comfort or a crutch for human beings in a world that is full of half truths, contradictions and is difficult to understand. All of these religions claim to provide meaning, but ultimately they provide a pleasure of sorts – the comfort and satisfaction of an indoctrinated “ultimate meaning” that holds no intrinsic value. So, really, a “will to meaning” is in fact a “will to pleasure.”

- Gina St. Pierre

Websites

Are You Addicted to Oil?

Dr. Warren is a psychologist with 20 years experience helping individuals conquer addiction and deal with its lasting repercussions. The calamitous oil spill in the Gulf brings into sharp relief America’s addiction to dirty fuels. She draws parallels between our collective behavior in regards to oil and addictions that may be more familiar to us, such as smoking, drinking, drug use or gambling.

Take the test!

Articles

Acupuncture Stimulates release of Natural Painkillers

A recent study in Nature Neuroscience from the University of Rochester suggests a physiological explanation of how acupuncture relieves pain. Needles inserted in mice increased levels of the naturally occurring (and pain relieving) chemical adenosine by 24-fold in surrounding tissue.

Events

I would like to invite you all out to visit this product of community at the University of West Florida. We have a host of different veggies and are growing this garden without chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

*We are always at the Garden on Fridays at 10am. Please let me know if you are interested and I will add you to the garden club contact list.

Location: Parking lot SP2, 9 mile rd. is in the far right corner intersecting with campus drive.

- From the Progressive Student Alliance

Free Art Lessons for Foster Kids

Dolce Vita is holding an art party on Saturday, June 26th from 6pm to 3am. There is a $5 cover and a silent auction. There will be beer and wine. The proceeds go to Art Reshaping Tomorrow, a program that gives free art lessons to foster kids. Dolce Vita is located at 309 Rues street in downtown Pensacola behind Ever'man natural food store.

Quotations

"Some recluses and brahmins, so called,

Are deeply attached to their own views;

People who only see one side of things

Engage in quarrels and disputes."

- Unknown (taken from Buddhist texts)

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

-Goethe

"At the end of every attempt to objectify our subjective lives, is elusive anxiety about the fact that reality is completely empty...and Free*"

-J. Reid

Calls to Action

Dear Friend,

The media conglomerate Discovery Communications used to be known for their earth-friendly offerings. But they've just paid millions to Sarah Palin to host a "nature" show, despite her decidedly anti-environmental stance: She vocally advocates for habitat-destroying oil drilling, she denies global warming is a human-caused threat, and she spearheaded a brutal wolf-slaughter program as governor of Alaska.

It's one thing if Fox News gives Sarah Palin a platform. But when Discovery Communications -- home to the Discovery Channel, the "Planet Earth" series, the Science Channel, Animal Planet, and TreeHugger.com -- gives a show to Sarah Palin, it undercuts everything the Discovery brand has come to represent.

Anti-environmentalism has no place in the Discovery Communications lineup. Join me in demanding that the company cancel "Sarah Palin's Alaska" before it airs. Just click on the link to send your message.

-Kirk

The second Hands Across the Sand event is happening Saturday, June 26th, only this time it is a nationwide event. Last time the focus was to help stop the petro-chemical companies from drilling in our State waters, as close as 3 miles off shore. This time the event goes further in helping to bring awareness to the root issue: our deadly addiction to fossil fuels. Thank you to Margaret Biggs who is helping to organize, and Mary Gutierrez who is trying very hard to work out some public transportation options for us. So far the best that can be done in Escambia County is for us to all meet at the Park and Ride (near the civic center) and car pool. We will meet at 10:15 a.m. No seat should go unfilled. We will then meet at Pensacola Pier at 11am, hold hands from 12 to 12:15 to show solidarity on our support for renewable energy and public transportation. Perhaps someone wants to organize a meeting place in Santa Rosa County for car pooling also? Okaloosa? Walton?

-PSA

Art

By Aaron Ridgeway

A Personal Note

The Post Script Society publication is maintained and compiled by Eric St. Pierre unless otherwise notated. This issue of the Post Script Society was edited by Gina St. Pierre , many thanks are due to her. If you would like to contribute to our publication please respond to this email.