"Since Covey was unable to identify the name of the author, he couldn't give proper attribution to the source of this meaningful quotation. However, because he felt so strongly that his discovery reaffirmed the essential teachings of the world-renowned psychiatrist and existential philosopher, Viktor E. Frankl, Dr. Covey included the lines in his foreword to our international bestselling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, a book that I am honored to say was written at Dr. Frankl's personal urging and has been published in 29 languages."
"In this connection, Frankl believed in what he called the "last of the human freedoms"-the ultimate freedom to choose our attitude. Although human beings may not be in control of the conditions or situations that confront them, the important thing is that they can choose how to respond, at least through their choice of attitude. According to Frankl, this is not only our right as human beings, it is our full human beingness to be free in this manner."
People often become prisoners of their own thoughts, which undermines the search for meaning and well-being. All life situations can be reframed through different perspectives, opening alternative responses and possibilities. Between stimulus and response there exists a psychological space where freedom and power to choose a response reside, and chosen responses foster personal growth and happiness. The ultimate human freedom is the ability to choose one's attitude regardless of external conditions. Choosing attitude constitutes a full expression of human beingness and counters passivity. Resisting the temptation to remain captive to circumstances enables meaning, resilience, and inner freedom.
Read at Psychology Today
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