Viktor Frankl Quote Between Stimulus And Response
Viktor Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor who founded the school of logotherapy. He believed that people find meaning in life through their experiences and that even in the most difficult circumstances, one can find purpose and hope.
One of Frankl's most famous quotes is, "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
This quote has profound implications for how we approach life and the challenges we face. Let's explore what Frankl meant by this quote and how we can apply it in our own lives.
The Space Between Stimulus and Response
When we experience a stimulus, such as a difficult situation or a negative comment from someone, our natural inclination is to react immediately. We might become angry, defensive, or anxious.
However, Frankl believed that there is a space between the stimulus and our response. This space represents our ability to choose how we respond to the situation. It is in this space that we can exercise our freedom and our power to grow.
Our Power to Choose
Frankl believed that every person has the power to choose their response to any given situation. We may not be able to control the circumstances we find ourselves in, but we can control how we react to those circumstances.
By choosing our response, we are taking ownership of our lives and our experiences. We are not simply reacting to the world around us, but actively shaping our own destinies.
Our Response Determines Our Growth
Frankl believed that our response to a given situation is what determines our growth as individuals. If we react with anger, bitterness, or despair, we are not growing or learning from the experience.
However, if we choose to respond with patience, forgiveness, or resilience, we are growing and becoming stronger as individuals. It is through these difficult experiences that we can find purpose and meaning in our lives.
Applying Frankl's Quote in Our Own Lives
So how can we apply Frankl's quote in our own lives? Here are a few suggestions:
- Practice mindfulness: By being mindful of the space between stimulus and response, we can learn to pause before reacting impulsively.
- Take responsibility for your responses: Instead of blaming others for our reactions, we can take ownership of our responses and choose to respond in a way that aligns with our values.
- Choose growth over comfort: When faced with difficult situations, we can choose to respond with courage and resilience, knowing that these experiences can help us grow and become stronger.
In Conclusion
Viktor Frankl's quote between stimulus and response is a powerful reminder that we have the power to choose our responses to any given situation. By exercising this power, we can grow and find meaning in even the most challenging experiences.
So the next time you are faced with a difficult situation, remember that you have the power to choose your response. In that choice lies your freedom, your growth, and your purpose.