Parents

          I would think that parenting would be instinctual, a natural part of human existence, but it is evidently so much more than that.  I think that a large flaw in our American society is the rearing of a child by just two parents.  This creates so many differences amongst us and often fatigue on the part of the parents.  I really believe that children should be raised more communally and have a wide network of mentors from the start.  Sure, some kids experience this support from a community, but there are too many whose parents are overworked and they end up pretty much on their own.
        One of the most critical components of parenting, in my opinion, is love.  I think that being loved by parents can greatly affect one's confidence, friendships, and motivation throughout life.  There is no one way to show love-some express it by being overprotective and strict while other parents trust and provide freedom.  I also don't want to sound like I'm oversimplifying; love is important but even parents who love their children have a lot of flaws in their parenting.
        I am very, very grateful for my parents.  They provide me with so much support, safety, and guidance.  My friends often hear me complain when my dad calls me about six times a day or imposes ridiculous beliefs, but ultimately I know that it is because he cares…a lot.   I think that the values and motivation that I have are definitely an outcome of their pushing me to work hard and stay busy.

Frankl-y Speaking

     This was my second time reading "Man's Search for Meaning," and I gained so much more from it this time through than the last.  The part that spoke to me most was Frankl's understanding of love.  The first time this came up was when he states, "The salvation of man is through love and in love" (p. 37).  As can be understood from my hippie ramblings during class, I am very much a proponent of love. It is unbelievable to me that Frankl had the wisdom to turn to love even in concentration camps where he was faced with endless hatred.  If everyone were able to receive and give love in this way, I do think the world would have far less problems.
      Another mention of love is in the second section when Frankl says that when you love someone, you see them not only for who they are, but also for the potential they have.  I fully agree with this statement and that we help to actualize that potential in those we love.  
    I would like to mention that I don't think Frankl's philosophy is the only way, even though I do agree with a lot of it.  I understand that a lot of people are happier living their lives without the pursuit of any type of meaning. In my case, I take pleasure in noting the small, day-to-day meanings that Frankl describes rather than a large, over-arching meaning.  I think that if I had survived what Frankl did, I would also want to find a meaning for my suffering, or else I would not have a will to live.  Frankl witnessed an evil within mankind  that could have made him lose all hope for humanity, but he didn't.  That is why his explanation of our responsibility is so important. Man has freedom, but how we choose to act on it is our responsibility.