Presence is the ability to be in the present moment, to be fully present for all that is happening around you and within you.
In contrast, Frankl says human existence is “historical,” meaning that you are standing outside your personal time frame, looking at yourself objectively in the context of time. “I am here, now, for a reason,” you think to yourself.
It sounds as if “historical time” contradicts the idea of presence. But does it?
Frankl calls the state of only being present, while being oblivious to past or future, a “presentist” existence, which means to have no sense of direction in life. One’s behavior is not based on the past nor is it guided toward the future, but is only isolated in the present moment.
To strengthen the question, it seems Frankl is contradicting himself. Throughout his writings, he emphasizes the concept of the “meaning of the moment.” The convergence of a unique individual, situation and moment in time offer a singular opportunity to fulfill values and meanings.
What is the difference between the meaning-of-the-moment, a concept central to Frankl’s philosophy, and a “presentist” existence, which he utterly rejects?
Frankl comments on a “presentist” existence in the context of discussing what is unique about being human. Human life has to be more than “a process of oxidation…” Human existence has a particular history to it; it takes up a particular time and space. Hence it is a particularly human tendency that human beings think about themselves and wonder what their life is about. Animals don’t question the significance of their existence. Only human beings do this.
Thus, the real question is: In what way does questioning one’s existence negate living in the isolated moment with no consciousness of past or future?
What is the difference in experiencing “historical space” as opposed to living in an “isolated” moment? How does this distinction make a difference to how you live your life?
(The Doctor and the Soul pp. 26-28)