“The crucial thing is how he works, whether he in fact fills the place in which he happens to have landed.” (The Doctor and the Soul, p. 43)
What is a meaningful life? In this simple statement we can see the relationship between tasks, values, uniqueness and meaning.
Sometimes we are so inundated with what society considers meaningful that we are blind to the opportunities for meaning right in front of us. Frankl compares someone who thinks he has an insignificant job but does it honestly to a prominent politician who is corrupt, concluding that what is important is how we fill the “circle of our tasks.” Values are not a matter of personal preferences, nor are they determined by popular acclaim.
Values are objective possibilities which, once fulfilled in concrete situations become transformed into meaningful realities. No one is given a medal for the potential for bravery; medals are won for acting with bravery. The situations in which they have “landed” in Frankl’s words held out the possibility for acting courageously and fulfilling the value of courage, defined as such by the interface of this unique individual and the strengths utilized in a challenging situation.
Yet, one does not have to be confronted with extreme circumstances to find opportunities to do something of value. Meaning is a constant. Every situation and every moment is filled to the brim with possibilities and choices that will create new, meaningful realities in the world.
This dynamic can be summed up in the two blessings of the Jewish prayer book that religious Jews say each morning.
“You, God, are the source of blessing, our Lord master of the universe, who has provided me with all that I need.” – You have given me all the strengths, skills, and resources I need to take meaningful action.
“You, God, are the source of blessing, our Lord master of the universe, who prepares the steps of man.” – You bring me opportunities every day in the form of life circumstances and events, as media through which I can discover and actualize values.
For example, You have given me a car and the ability to drive. These are my resources. Furthermore, you have presented me with situations where people needed a ride.These are my opportunities.
This thought motivated me one day, quite awhile ago (when I had a car) to write a note that I kept in the glove compartment, to show people when I gave them a ride.
Dear trempist:
1) Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to merit in this important mitzvah. After all, you are doing me a bigger favor than I am doing you. Our rabbis teach: More than the master of the house gives to the one in need, the one in need gives to the master of the house. (Vayikra Raba 34)
2) God gave me this car so that I could use it to help others. Everything in life that we have does not literally belong to us but is a gift that has been given to us so that we will use it for a higher purpose.
3) Everyone has some advantage that others don’t have; I am sure and I want to bless you that you will find an opportunity today where you can be the giver.
Go in peace