Viktor Frankl

The last chapter in the 2004 edition of Man's Search for Meaning is titled "The Case for Tragic Optimism" . In this chapter Frankl speaks of  optimism in the face of tragedy.  This disposition

• turns suffering into achievement
• uses guilt an opportunity to be better
• sees the transitory nature of life an incentive for responsible action

A human being is not in search of happiness but rather in search of a reason to be happy. Frankl compares the pursuit of  happiness to laughter.  Laughter cannot come about without a cause. This is the condition of all the clowns we have studied. They do not set out to be funny.  They are rather in search of happiness or fulfilment. Their aim is to give meaning to their existence.  You will have noted that optimism despite the evidence of his failings is the contribution of the clown to theatre.



(Frankl, Viktor E. Man's Search for Meaning, pp 137-154, Rider, London 2004)