Personal Cultural Reflection & Philosophy Paper – Michael

My number one priority in my life is my family. I took on my heritage from my mom and dad they are the best. They give me what I want but also teach me things in life that I will need to know like taking care of myself. My audacious brothers are really spectacular. They taught me how to ride my bike and how to throw a football. You

Viktor Frankl’s thesis found in Man’s Search for Meaning is repeated multiple times, in different ways throughout his book. On page 111 he states, “According to logotherapy, we can discover this meaning in life in three different ways: (1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering” (Frankl). This is not saying that all of those qualities have to be present to find one’s meaning though especially suffering. The only way to find the meaning of life is by answering your own call for life, not what others value as meaning. Each meaning

Many arguments were made in Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning about the term “suffering” and how us as individuals respond to others suffering. Frankl says that if suffering has no meaning, then there is no reason to live at all. Simone Weil incorporates this in her book An Anthology by arguing that it is our obligation as human beings to aid to ones suffering. Frankl and Weil both have the same idea in that they both look at people who are suffering. Seeing what each side argues will help determine which argument is more reasonable than the other.

After this, the students talked to each other and they decided that they enjoy it when the teacher reads to them. The teacher read the book and the students followed along with the reading. When the teacher finished reading, she asked various questions that the students had to answer. The students, had to discuss the question and the answer with their group members. The teacher, asked each group to give their answer and, all the students participated in the activity. They had a good teacher and student relationship. The students respected the teacher and she did an awesome job with the lesson. The teacher, talked to us and, explained that when she creates her lessons she tries her best to incorporate group work and class discussions. Her goal is, that her students are engage in the lesson that she created.

Originally from Thailand, I was born and raised in Thai culture for 22 years before arriving in the United States of America. Even now, after living in the United States for 8 years, my character and thoughts are still dominated by Thai culture, which is very different from American culture in many ways. After graduation my plan is to work in the US, and thus, to continue functioning in what is dominantly an American culture. However, I realize that differences between Thai culture and American culture may cause communication issues for me at work unless each one is properly understood.

    A country singer named Randy Travis once sang in “Three Wooden Crosses”,  “It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it’s what you leave behind you when you go.” This verse gives meaning to my life and defines what I will do when I am gone. A man by the name of Viktor Frankl writes the book, Man’s Search for Meaning. In this novel, Frankl is at one of the dreadful concentration camps during the Holocaust, trying to search for his meaning of life. What gives one meaning to his or her life? One might think they have no purpose in this world however, that is not true. He or she must find the people or concepts that make them happy or give significance to their lives. The meaning of one’s life can be interpreted

This past semester we have discussed four separate and different societies and cultures. Throughout this reflection essay, I will reflect what culture is and what I have learned what culture is based on this course. As well discuss what I have learned from each of the units. Also, reflect on the course and how the class has helped me develop and transform my academic skills.

In the knowledge of multicultural diversity a counselor will continue learning about his or her clientele in order to understand their needs better. A good knowledge base of clients will enable the counselor to meet all the needs of his or her clients.

This will to meaning is the culmination of our developmental process. To cultivate an individual’s capacity to find meaning in their life is the greatest goal, and the source of mankind’s anxiety and neuroses. We all wish to find the meaning within our life, and are unfulfilled when we miss the mark. But according to Frankl, there is always meaning in life, in every single moment, from one to the next we all are capable of making a choice about ourselves, and beyond that, have a responsibility to do so. Even with the transitory nature of our existence and hopelessness in the face of certain death, there is still meaning to be found, there is still freedom to be earned.

Frankl believes that despite hardships, we must have a positive outlook on life. Throughout all of the hardships he faced, he was able to portray hope and help others who needed it. Even during the worst, Frankl was able to remain optimistic. I have noticed this trait with those surrounding me. I have witnessed people in pain and suffering who have managed to find a positive from their situation. Frankl learned how to cope with his suffering by finding a source of happiness in his life. Frankl’s happiness came through his thoughts of his wife. “I understand how a man who has nothing left in this world still may know bliss, be it only for a brief moment, in the contemplation of his beloved” (37). Although he was separated from his wife, he was able to picture her and find pleasure. In our society, I have noticed that the people who can find happiness in their times of suffering are much stronger than those who don’t. It is important to be thankful for what we have and for the times we spent before our hardships came about. Frankl told his fellow prisoners that all the joys from the past can shine even in the darkness. While it may seem impossible, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light” (J.K. Rowling). In conclusion, “Man’s Search for Meaning” is a very influential book. Not only did I learn about the life and teachings of Viktor E. Frankl, but I was able to find my own appreciation of the book and come across ideas that will help me in my life. I hope to hold onto my own personal meaning and help others find their purpose in life so I can also be an inspiration. I will always remember the quote by Viktor E. Frankl that says, "The meaning of life is to give life

It is said that all life does indeed involve suffering but it is what we make of this suffering that will determine whether or not we find meaning in our life. One must look within and around himself to create meaning in her life; one can finding meaning by creating works or doing deeds, experiencing things or encountering people, and choosing one’s attitude towards the suffering in her life. There will always be obstacles in the way to meaning—the tragic triad of pain, guilt, and death—but one must use this to fuel your drive to find meaning by maintaining tragic optimism—faith, love, and hope. Many people lead difficult lives, however,

(Origin) When thinking about my family and our roots I identify my family’s places or origin as Germany and Ireland. A majority of my family is of German ancestry and the one exception is my grandmother and she is Irish. I identify these too places as where my family came from due to stories that I have hear from family members and to the traits that each member of my family carries. A majority of my family are all blonde hair, with blue or brown eyes which have a lot of similarities to people from Germany. My family as very few of the traits from the Irish side but the only ones the I have been told are that some people in our family freckle a lot

The cultural assignment allowed me to gain a new perspective on the differences of others. I have grown up in a household of dissimilar belief systems. My mom is a dedicated Christian while my dad is unassociated with any religious beliefs. Though, he grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness. There differing belief systems have been the cause of various conflicts within their relationship. I often wondered if people with contradicting beliefs could effectively and peacefully discuss their belief systems. This cultural experience showed me that a peaceful discussion is possible between individuals of dissimilar beliefs.

For the past six weeks, I learned how philosophy has influenced the world globally. Learning that when human beings voice their thoughts with others, they receive a chance to change the world, especially if one person speaks one on one, one personage can change the world of one body. My belief in the power of language is strengthened by philosophy. This philosophy course has encouraged me to share my opinions that are not influenced by other peers or older adults, but to deeply reflect and research my beliefs and opinions. Looking at how philosophy has shaped the United States, I grant my thankfulness towards the Constitution, and the democracy and freedom we now have, compared to other countries.

1. Culture is perceived as a way of thinking that influences the behaviors of a group of people.