The Secret: Utter Crap

[Artoo]

Some people may not want an argument, but a rational, mature discussion

I'd just like to point out, I view those as the same thing. Flame-baiting is not arguing. And I don't think C7 was flame-baiting. He stated his opinion that The Secret is a load of crap, and then went on to explain his position. That is by definition a rational and mature discussion.

Had he simply stated his opinion and not backed it up, it could be said that he was being "argumentative" for the sake of getting people's hackles up, which I don't think he was trying to do.

 

[Skipadeedoodah]

There's quite a few articles about the difference between thinking "positively" and being constructive (which is ultimately what the secret fails to differentiate to people). 1

Also, this is an interesting blog on who was the motivation behind the author. 2



What they call "positive" thinking is actually just superstitious thinking and what they call metaphysics isn't metaphysics proper but rather a form of "pop" metaphysics. Psychologically, it may make sense to be more positive so you "attract" better people into your life. BUT... this idea, taken to the extremes it is in the movie, is misleading and just impractical. For example, you don't create abundance by wanting things. People usually want things to fill a void and you can't be content and in an abundant mind set while constantly wishing for things. Even psychologically, it just doesn't work that way.

It is true that once you put on, for example, the "rich mans" cap you start seeing financial opportunities you've never noticed before, but that's not a secret. Its common sense which can be explained practically without all the rhetoric of pseudo psychology.

I mean, the people who enable the magical thinking that surrounds this movie are either just being wishful or simply misled by semantics. You don't get a check in the mail from wishing for it. There are reasons checks come in the mail and it can usually be explained on a practical level instead of just saying "I've manifested cash!". lol. Uh, no you didn't. You co-operated with the world in such a way that enabled you to receive that cash. It doesn't just get created from the ego by wishing it too and then sitting on your butt.

For reference, here we have a perfect example of someone respectfully expressing the same opinion that has previously been expressed disrespectfully by someone else.

 

[Skipadeedoodah]

I'd just like to point out, I view those as the same thing. Flame-baiting is not arguing. And I don't think C7 was flame-baiting. He stated his opinion that The Secret is a load of crap, and then went on to explain his position. That is by definition a rational and mature discussion.

Had he simply stated his opinion and not backed it up, it could be said that he was being "argumentative" for the sake of getting people's hackles up, which I don't think he was trying to do.

Understood, but my point is people are going to much more apt to want to engaged in a discussion with someone if they don't feel they're going to be insulted in the process. C7 isn't offering that, but instead pretty much promising that he IS going to insult them by "yell[ing] it in their face" and mocking them ("maybe that's why so few people have come forward to try to defend the Secret...they don't want to be exposed to my negative energy.."). That, to me, is not mature at all.

 

[Artoo]

Understood, but my point is people are going to much more apt to want to engaged in a discussion with someone if they don't feel they're going to be insulted in the process. C7 isn't offering that, but instead pretty much promising that he IS going to insult them by "yell[ing] it in their face" and mocking them ("maybe that's why so few people have come forward to try to defend the Secret...they don't want to be exposed to my negative energy.."). That, to me, is not mature at all.

Perhaps they shouldn't be so sensitive about it. 😉

I think it was Dawkins that once said, we're allowed to voice our opinions on sporting teams, politics, what food we like. Sometimes quite forcefully, letting other people know that their football team is shite, and that they're a bleeding heart liberal/conservative nutjob/whatever. And nobody really takes offense to that. But the minute you bring someone's beliefs into question, people have to be all nice and "respectful" about it.

 

[Skipadeedoodah]

Perhaps they shouldn't be so sensitive about it. 😉

I think it was Dawkins that once said, we're allowed to voice our opinions on sporting teams, politics, what food we like. Sometimes quite forcefully, letting other people know that their football team is shite, and that they're a bleeding heart liberal/conservative nutjob/whatever. And nobody really takes offense to that. But the minute you bring someone's beliefs into question, people have to be all nice and "respectful" about it.

I tend to think people should try to be respectful all the time - call me crazy 🙂

I'm not personally offended by the assertion that The Secret is crap, because I tend to agree. This isn't about my feelings being hurt - I just don't like to see people spread negativity where it's not needed. Opinions can be expressed just as efficiently without it.

 

[Artoo]

I tend to think people should try to be respectful all the time - call me crazy 🙂

I'm not personally offended by the assertion that The Secret is crap, because I tend to agree. This isn't about my feelings being hurt - I just don't like to see people spread negativity where it's not needed. Opinions can be expressed just as efficiently without it.

You are crazy. 😎

Agreed, opinions can be expressed respectfully. Though I don't see anything in C7's post that spouts disrespect to any individual. Calling a set of beliefs a load of horseshit and calling someone a horseshit for believing in them are different, however subtle that difference is.

One of my closest friends has integrity, steady wit, and is just very cool. She is also a born again Evangelical. I think that some of the things she believes in are batshit insane, but as a person, I love and respect her.

Doesn't stop me from letting her know where I think her beliefs fall short. Sometimes I've told her quite forcefully, particularly when it comes to things like gay marriage etc. But she's got enough integrity to take it, and hit it right back at me where she thinks my philosophy falls short. We don't bandy about with trying not to tread on each others shoes, because we both know that it's simply sidestepping the issue, and not being entirely true to the way we think about things.

 

[Skipadeedoodah]

You are crazy. 😎

Agreed, opinions can be expressed respectfully. Though I don't see anything in C7's post that spouts disrespect to any individual. Calling a set of beliefs a load of horseshit and calling someone a horseshit for believing in them are different, however subtle that difference is.

One of my closest friends has integrity, steady wit, and is just very cool. She is also a born again Evangelical. I think that some of the things she believes in are batshit insane, but as a person, I love and respect her.

Doesn't stop me from letting her know where I think her beliefs fall short. Sometimes I've told her quite forcefully, particularly when it comes to things like gay marriage etc. But she's got enough integrity to take it, and hit it right back at me where she thinks my philosophy falls short. We don't bandy about with trying not to tread on each others shoes, because we both know that it's simply sidestepping the issue, and not being entirely true to the way we think about things.

That's fantastic that you have such a relationship with a friend that you can be frank with one another. I have similar relationships with many of my friends, and I agree that it's nice to be able to just say what you're thinking without having to worry about sugar-coating it. However, when you're dealing with strangers I think a certain amount of restraint should be used until the situation calls for otherwise. But that's just my opinion. Perhaps I'm expecting too much of people

 

[c7_assassin]

Well, Skip, you obviously weren't scared off by the negativity, I would hope most mature people wouldn't be either...

I think we should expect more of each other in terms of honesty, not sensitivity.

Artoo gets it, I wasn't talking down to any people...and if they took it that way, then it's their problem. I can handle having oversensitive people ignore me.

 

[lemoncake]

I don't really like the Secret because it just seems like common sense to me. Its like if you surround yourself with negative people you probably won't be happy either.

However, I do agree with Skip about the vision board thing. I love vision boards, but I am more of a visual person and love to collect things and put them together into a whole piece. I have done that since I was little, but in more of an art process than a life process. I enjoy seeing the final picture and then doing what it takes to get there. I know if I put a picture of a french chateau thats millions of dollars that I most likely will not get it. But if I collect some images that represent something that I want to work on, like a painting, or a cake I am making for a birthday, I can make that happen. Who knows, maybe I will make a vision board and see if any of the things on it happen. But I am not going to get bent out of shape if they don't.

 

[Skipadeedoodah]

Well, Skip, you obviously weren't scared off by the negativity, I would hope most mature people wouldn't be either...

I think we should expect more of each other in terms of honesty, not sensitivity.

Artoo gets it, I wasn't talking down to any people...and if they took it that way, then it's their problem. I can handle having oversensitive people ignore me.

You can be completely and 100% honest without being offensive. If manners and respect aren't something you're interested in, we've nothing more to discuss on the matter.

 

[c7_assassin]

OMG, Skip, have I said anything disrespectful or rude to you this entire time? Even though you've left a half dozen comments basically attacking me and the way I started this discussion? Do I seem like a troller to you?

Your opinion on whether we should say the things we mean or sugarcoat everything is apparently different from mine, okay. But I don't think I'm guilty of any actual rudeness or actual disrespect. If a Secret-believer wants to come forward and say, "Hey, I found what you wrote really offensive to me personally," then I'll answer that. If you don't have an opinion you want to express on the subject of this thread, then we are done. I'm pretty disappointed in you, Skip.

 

[xionking]

Here ya go, c7_assasin.

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[fordtech30]

I have recently watched the video the secret. I have tried everything in my life. Religion, esteem books, TMF. lol.

Nothing had ever helped my self esteem or other problems. But this video has changed my life. Whether anyone believes me or not. I have put it to the test. It does work.

I know some people will say I'm full of shit. That's their opinion. Just like assholes, everyone has one.

I totally believe in what this book teaches. It has helped me overcome allot of things in my life that were hindering me from doing what I wanted.

If anyone is looking for something that will changed them. I recommend this book or DVD. It can't hurt anyways.

 

[c7_assassin]

I don't think you're full of shit, ford.

But do you think maybe the positive results you got came from you yourself, and not the universe "sensing" your needs? I'm sure you had more to do with it than just making a wish and waiting for good fortune to be dumped in your lap.