Prometheus Shows How to Live a Meaningful Life

Prometheus is a Titan from Greek mythology. He was an old, immortal god living with the newer, immortal gods of Zeus and his like. He has eternal youth, all the pleasures of the body one can imagine, vast power. He was a literal god.

But he gave it all away to steal fire from the gods and give it to humans, elevating them from animals to people. This made them a threat to the gods, so Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock where each day an eagle would eat his liver. Every day he healed, the liver grew back. Every day he suffered again.

You might think Prometheus regretted his terrible fate. But in fact, one of his powers was the gift of premonition. He knew what would happen to him by stealing Fire, but he did it anyway. Why?

Why would he give up all earthly and godly pleasures, an infinity of pleasure and power, for an infinity of physical torment? The reason is a lesson in what makes life meaningful.

It is the same lesson taught by Victor Frankl, founder of logotherapy. He recounts how in World War 2 he gave up the chance to flee Germany to stay and help his family. They were all Jews so this meant he was tortured and sent to Auschwitz. He survived it, as well as another two death camps.