Ikigai—Vibrant Individuality

With the logotherapy and existential analysis according to Viktor E. Frankl (in short: original logotherapy), there exists a philosophy that allows for an approximate explanation of the complex concept of “Ikigai” from the Japanese cultural sphere. After important fundamental aspects of the original logotherapy were explained in the previous chapter, both aspects are now considered together. For this purpose, the competence area and the will area of the human being are distinguished and it is worked out that especially the latter is expressed in Ikigai. Ikigai is a freely selectable attitude that can be implemented in everyday life through four starting points (also referred to as levers): will to meaning, conscience, pro-motive, and healthy self-forgetfulness. If these four levers are adequately applied, Ikigai leads to an engagement of the individual and in this way to a vibrant individuality.