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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through "The Case for a Tragic Optimism" (through page 179).

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Frankl define the difference between how he and Jean-Paul Sartre define the meaning of our existence?
(a) While Frankl considers meaning important in life, Sartre only considers it interesting, but not essential.
(b) While Frankl argues that the meaning of life is love, Sartre believes that the meaning of life has no connection to others.
(c) For Frankl, we find our meaning, For Sartre, we invent it.
(d) Both agree that meaning is central to life, but Sartre believes it is important in how others see us.

2. How did Frankl respond to an SS officer who called him a pig, and asked him what his profession was?
(a) He refused to speak.
(b) He argued that it was none of his business, and then tried to hit him.
(c) He said he had been a psychiatrist, and understood perfectly what his issues were.
(d) He told him he was a doctor who did charitable work.

3. What have people who have failed at their own suicide attempts shared with Frankl?
(a) They were humiliated by their failed attempt.
(b) They were unhappy to stay alive.
(c) They were frustated because of a lack of meaning.
(d) They were happy that the suicide failed.

4. What does Frankl suggest alcoholics and drug addicts suffer from?
(a) Depression.
(b) Fatigue.
(c) Inferiority complexes.
(d) Meaninglessness.

5. How does Frankl define nihilism?
(a) No longer searching for meaning.
(b) A kind of "learned meaninglessness."
(c) Being sad about the lack of meaninglessness.
(d) Satisfying oneself with a loveless life.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who narrates this story?

2. How does logotherapy deal with spiritual issues?

3. How does Frankl believe that the young should respond to the old?

4. Frankl writes that suffering is unavoidable, so what matters most in the way that we respond to suffering?

5. What does Frankl write that people must become aware of to find meaning?

(see the answer key)

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