The secret – Confusing coincidence with correlation?

By Rajesh Setty on Thu 15 Nov 2007, 10:25 PM - 8 Comments

Note for “The Secret” fans: I have nothing against “The Secret”. It’s a cool book. It is just that I don’t believe what is outlined in “The Secret” can be a standalone strategy for success.

I read “The Secret” a few months ago and it was a fascinating read. In a nutshell, the book is about “The Law of Attraction”.

The book is very well written with compilation of writings from several well known people.

The book and the DVD are also making waves.

It is one of those books that you can enjoy reading – so I didn’t have any problem about the book.

However, when I see millions of people embracing it as if it’s the next thing to sliced bread, I get confused. Why? Because if people can really change their lives by reading the book, this nation would be transformed by now and most of people’s problems would have disappeared.

No, I am not saying that the message of the book is wrong. It is just that people tend to take “tips and tricks” literally. A subset of people who are looking for an easy way of getting what they want may think that they got that way – all they have to do is STRONGLY WISH for what they want – and they will GET IT.

Even if the book does not prescribe that MERELY WISHING won’t work, those caveats are easily missed.

The reports and success stories (of a VERY SMALL percentage of people) will be highlighted. That would make many think that – “if they can do it, we can too”.

What they don’t question is – “Is this coincidence or is there a correlation”?

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Peter on November 16th, 2007

I’m glad to see that you posted about coincidence in relation to this “law of attraction” stuff. Of course, no author will highlight people who try this and have negative consequences, but no matter what the power of positive thinking will only go so far. Sure you can be motivated to do all kinds of things, but saying that there’s a law of attraction just doesn’t work for all sorts of practical examples. If I want a sunny day for a picnic and a nearby farmer wants rain for his crops – who wins? Nobody really wants a disease like cancer, but people are diagnosed with it all the time and positive thinking just won’t make it go away in a lot of cases.

I’m saddened that so many people have bought into this “secret” nonsense. Sure there’s nothing wrong with having a positive outlook on life, but there’s no special power behind that to enable you to win the lottery or anything like that. Thank you for at least trying to awaken people to the fact that sometimes coincidence is a good explanation for something rather than it actually being a result of some secret desire/wish.

Alex Liu on November 19th, 2007

Great things you brought up.

The secret is a brilliant movie. But most people who finish this movie will think “To success, all I need to do is think hard everyday!” This have no difference with day dreaming and waiting success to drop from the sky.

“the Secret” is about visualize it and allow yourself to experience the moment when you have it and take action. You can achieve what you want with Law of Attraction and Action on top.

There’s also another Universal law which is the Law Of Action. No action no results! I think you and I who own a business probably know that too. If we don’t write, there will not be any blg post coming out.

I also found this free report which is also called by others as “the missing part in the secret”. http://secretsofunlimitedwealth.com/interview.htm

Thanks for your post.

virk on November 27th, 2007

I read this book some time ago and also enjoyed it. Taking anything literally is dangerous. I took this book as a pointer, telling readers that wishing and visualizing for something (in professional language- having a goal and action plan) is first step. Actions and effors are the important steps. Even Rhonda Byrne wished best selling but she had to work hard to publish the book and make it best seller. All it is keep positive attitude and then work with your heart. Thanks for sharing.

Power Of Law Forms on December 7th, 2007

Power Of Law Forms…

I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…

Kevin on December 7th, 2007

From the replys that I have read everybody is missing the point. No where does Rhonda Byrne say “go sit in a corner, close your eyes and everything will be alright.” Your mind has to be changed to understand her thinking. The majority of people that are against her don’t understand the Bible either. If you really listen to her over 90% she is talking about is having a strong faith in what you want out of life and if you believe in the universe, which is GOD, you will be bless with it.

Carmen on January 11th, 2008

Hi Rajesh! I enjoyed this post, and share your perspective on The Secret/LOA – and that it’s dangerous for the masses to just think that “wishful thinking” will get them everything they want. Beyond coincidence and correlation – I worry that the LOA/Secret may become an excuse for living in denial.

I read a book recently that helped put some of the LOA stuff in perspective, called The Secret Source. Basically it helps to give historical and HOLISTIC context to the principles and historical influences alluded to in The Secret. I wanted to know if you’d heard of it – or would be willing to check it out and share it with the rest of your readers who might also be searching for more background information about abundance/prosperity consciousness, LOA and the New Thought Movement. It’s definitely enlightening.

Here’s a link: http://processmediainc.com/titles/new_releases/the_secret_source.php

Thanks so much for taking time to read this, and I always look forward to your posts in my RSS feed reader!

Best wishes,

Carmen