Blog

In Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" and Singer's "The Singer Solution to World Poverty," two very different forms of suffering are discussed. Frankl records a personal account of suffering that is undeniably difficult, and speaks volumes on the extent of suffering in the Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. While Singer describes the lengths at which a person will go to avoid causing someone else's suffering. Singer argues that if we never actively stop the suffering from happening on the streets of our country and other countries, that we are no different than the person that would value their car over another person's life.

I disagree with Singer's claim that those who don't donate to those in need are the same as those who will kill people in order to not lose a prized possession. Though many people have enough money to donate to causes within America and outside of America, it is not their duty to donate to those in need. Singer suggests that any money not directed toward necessities should be donated, but this would leave every human's life boring and pointless. Without freedom to do as we please, we'll be in a position of suffering ourselves, in a life of work and no reward.

Every human deals with suffering at some point in life and in differing quantities, but it is important to find the small joys that Frankl describes. In seeing these small joys, it may be easier to enjoy the small joys of our daily lives. Donating is important, and it can come in the form of time, money, or items. In directing this focus, we can avoid wasting money on the popular, expensive items.