Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love.
Viktor E. FranklRead
Since Auschwitz we know what man is capable of. And since Hiroshima we know what is at stake.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the extremes of human capability for both destruction and survival, highlighting the importance of recognizing these capacities.
Viktor E. Frankl's quote emphasizes the profound lessons learned from the atrocities of Auschwitz and the devastation of Hiroshima. He suggests that these historical events expose the dark potential within humanity to inflict harm, while also reminding us of the dire consequences of neglecting our moral responsibilities. It serves as a warning about the stakes involved in our actions and choices, urging us to be mindful of our capabilities and the impact they can have on the world.
Themes
HumanityAtrocitiesMoral ResponsibilityConsequencesHistory
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on human rights, one might use this quote to underscore the importance of vigilance against oppression.
More from Viktor E. Frankl
All quotes →The crowning experience of all, for the homecoming man, is the wonderful feeling that, after all he has suffered, there is nothing he need fear anymore—except his God.
Viktor E. FranklRead
Here lies the chance for a man either to make use of or to forgo the opportunities of attaining the moral values that a difficult situation may afford him. And this decides whether he is worthy of his sufferings or not.
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It is the pursuit of happiness that thwarts happiness.
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Logotherapy sees the human patient in all his humanness. I step up to the core of the patient's being. And that is a being in search of meaning, a being that is transcending himself, a being capable of acting in love for others.
Viktor E. FranklRead
The more one forgives himself - by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love - the more human he is and the more he actualizes himself.
Viktor E. FranklRead
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