It’s hard to avoid positive thinking these days. The Secret continues to top The New York Times best-seller list for advice books, touting a philosophy that has actually been around for centuries.
It’s the idea that if you think positive thoughts, you will be happier – and get what you want. Now, inevitably, there’s a backlash.
Some psychologists are saying too much wishful thinking not only sets you up for disappointment, but may also have negative effects on your health.
As The Secret movement continues to grow, devout followers are flocking to meetings across the country. The group in Costa Mesa, Calif. boasts more than 250 members.
Chantal Allan reports for Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Radio. Produced by Allison Louie.
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Comments
Brad, 2007-07-30 11:22:00 -- Flag for review
What a gift the law of attraction has been in my life! I am so grateful and humbled by the opportunites that have arisen from studying it! Thank you all! Brad
D Scerning, 2007-09-27 02:52:42 -- Flag for review
I think that the Secret is basically a reductionist, materialistic rehashing of old ideas, repackaged for a new group of people, and spun into some kind of 'spiritual' getup.
If it has helped some people, in some way or another, great. But what I find troubling is the simplistic ideas, such as watching funny movies will cure your cancer. If this were true, wouldn't cancer be cured by now, with a huge humor fest of some sort? Or, if humor and anti-stress tactics cure cancer, would we then blame those with cancer as being too serious, or not managing their stress properly? Sadly, some people already do blame those with serious illnesses for having caused them through 'faulty' thinking, or their anger. Perhaps people who say these things are just trying to insulate themselves from their own fears. I'll have to tell myself this when I hear these things in order to keep from being angry at them for being callous morons.
And why do we need to have more stuff? This seems to be the big goal of "Secret" folks. Perhaps they are just becoming "Secret" Shoppers. Why do we need to buy books by clever marketing folk so we can acquire more things? Is this really what is important? Are you a better person for your all of that 'stuff' you have? Are you happier?
Now, I don't believe that money is evil and poverty is somehow spiritual, but this book is just irritating. Again, its simple mindedness is appalling. I'd be embarrassed to be seen with the book. I would venture to guess that the main people benefiting from this are all the 'experts' who contributed and the "author"/marketing guru who brought together the "research" for this latest circus act. Er, I mean, guide to better living.
Brad, 2007-10-07 12:26:27 -- Flag for review
Our new website: www.theLOAcenter.com
Patience V, 2008-02-15 20:47:26 -- Flag for review
I love this article!! I'm referring to it in my Science Project for mental health stability -- that being of Does positive and negative thinking attract more of the same? (based on The Secret). The results turned out negative and shown only that it's based on chance, and this entry helps my hypothesis and the rest of my project!!