The law of attraction is real. The movie “The Secret” is fake.

March 15, 2007 @ 10:11 am · Filed under Psychology

I recently saw the movie The Secret, a pseudo-documentary that explains The Law of Attraction. There are things in this movie that need a rebuttal and I haven’t found one elsewhere - so here’s mine.

The important thing here is that The Law of Attraction itself is real. But the arguments and explanations put forward in The Secret are alternately unscientific, mystical, nonsensical or just plain wrong.

First, what is The Law of Attraction (TLoA)? Let’s say you’re poor and really want to be rich. Instead of always complaining about being poor and always focusing on what you don’t have, TLoA says that you should visualize yourself as rich. See yourself in this situation. Feel what you would feel if you were in that situation. Then, somehow, money will come to you.

Simply stated, it is the belief that what you focus on, is what you get (or create for yourself), and in my experience this is mostly true.

The movie itself is entertaining, well-produced and it looks great. And popular as it has become it has had the positive effect of opening many people’s eyes to the existence of TLoA, which is great. But I believe it has done so on an erroneous basis.

These are my major beefs with the movie:

1: The movie claims that famous people knew “the secret”

The movie indicates that a number of famous people knew “the secret”, including Einstein, Plato, Newton and Edison. However, the movie offers no proof that any of these people knew of, agreed with or used the law of attraction.

2: The movie claims that TLoA is kept secret

The movie also claims that the people in power in society and business have long known of this law and worked to keep it from the rest of us. Scenes are shown of people being persecuted for trying to steal the secret and (I assume) bring it out to the rest of us.

No proof of this is offered and to the best of my knowledge, no conscious effort has ever been made to keep TLoA secret.

3: The movie talks about electromagnetic waves/vibrations as the explanation for TLoA

The movie claims that since thoughts are electromagnetic waves, every thought we have spreads to and affects our surroundings, and this is why our thinking affects the universe. The movie repeatedly shows people who, as they visualize their goals, generate a wave or signal that emanates from their heads. In some of the cases, this wave is seen to spread over the entire Earth.

There are many things wrong with this assertion, primarily the fact that while thoughts are, at least in part, electromagnetic waves, there is no scientific indication that our brain waves alter the world around us in any meaningful way.

4: The movie uses quantum flapdoodle. Badly.

The movie also offers explanations from quantum physics as evidence of why TLoA works. I happen to have studied a lot of quantum physics at university, and I can safely say that the explanations offered in the movie are a prime example of what Murray Gell-Mann called quantum flapdoodle, i.e. “hijacking the terminology of modern science without understanding the underlying concepts or employing any of the intellectual rigour intrinsic to scientific inquiry”.

5: The movie claims that the universe will provide

But my greatest beef with the movie is the claim that whatever you sit down and imagine in this way, the universe will provide. Almost as if the universe is a big vending machine: Insert sincere wish here, pull out cold coke (or shiny new Ferrari) here.

That seems to me to be a very mechanical, shallow, self-serving description of the universe.

The upshot

I believe that TLoA is very real. I’ve used it on any number of occasions. It works.

But this is my point: Changing your thinking changes nothing out there, in the vast universe surrounding you. It changes something inside of you. Changing your perception, your focus, your emotions and your thinking from negative to positive (from what you lack to what you want) has an enormous effect on your motivation, energy and creativity and that’s why you will then be more efficient working towards your goals. It’s that simple.

No electromagnetic waves emanate from your head, magically transforming the universe. No mystical vibrations affect your surroundings. Changing your thinking does not change the quantum states of objects around you in any reliable, useful way. The universe doesn’t stand ready to fulfill your every wish.

Rather, you change yourself and THEN you change your circumstances. It works through a combination of entirely non-mystical, psychological and rational mechanisms, including confirmation bias, positive thinking and optimism.

The Secret offers precisely zero evidence that it could ever be otherwise, and instead proposes a number of mystical, unscientific and entirely unproved explanations. That’s why looking to this movie for explanations and insight will weaken your understanding of the TLoA and reduce your ability to successfully employ it.

So, while the law of attraction is real, the movie, quite simply, is fake!

PS.
And don’t get me started on What the Bleep do We Know - that one is even worse :o)

UPDATE: Satirical website The Onion’s take on The Secret.

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137 Comments »

Peter Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 12:10 pm

For scientific data I recommend something like this:The Effort Effect
The movie is entertaining enough and thought provoking… and because of that I believe a lot of people could benefit from it… in spite of all the mambo-jumbo magical quantum Aladdin lamp genie “woo ho ho I found a great big secret” kind of things in it…
Comunicación e Imagen Corporativa Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 1:19 pm

Interiorismo satisfactorio

…”link_1″>Consultoría artesana en red y a su fuente, Alexander Kjerulf, unbusinessman simpático .
John Wesley Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 1:45 pm

Thanks for this thoughtful criticism. Most reviewers have been either incredibly positive or dismissed the ‘Secret’ as a scam. You’ve done a great job identifying the problems of the movie without ridiculing the Law of Attraction.
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 3:27 pm

As a Positive Psychologist I find Alexander’s comments very helpful and enlightening. It can be very scary for people to think that their thoughts are hitting the highways to the universe. In Judiasm, (I am Jewish) we are taught our personal thoughts can not hurt us or the world the way our actions can. Yes, it is more very good to achieve more and more internal postive thoughts and ideas, but this ultimately is to help you have peace of mind and to more positive actions, not to stop the brainwaves from coming out of your head.

I read most of THE SECRET and found it very interesting. Again, as a Positive Psychologist I am concerned with how to motivate people to even begin to see themselves living out their real potential and dreams. I like the exercise that is suggested in the book where you attach your feelings to future positive visulazations of yourself, not just your thoughts as we do neet to cross between cognitive and affective realms to get enough energy released to start to move forward.

I was interviewed for a Newsweek article on THE SECRET and here were two other points I made: 1. We need to get excited and motivated as a culture in positive ways. Our news media and our own internalized ways of thinkings are ingrained in negative thought patterns. For example, just look at the way the female body is viewed in our country-thin is good, young is good and for goodness sake, what about all the rest of us? Are we chopped meat?

The second point I made was from a feminist perspective I was disappointed to see that of about 25 people interviewd for the book who spoke on and off in it, only about 4 were women. Why? The book would have sent a much better message to all of us if there were a fair split.

However, here are two possible reasons: Women live more private lives and don’t end up ‘known’, therefore not picked for big time interviews. Secondly, women and men think differently, so the goal orientation of THE SECRET is not a style that women use, either by choice or nature. We are busy changing diapers, caring for our moms and multi-tasking.

Thanks for a change to chat.

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist, author of THE ENCHANTED SELF, A Positive Therapy, http://www.enchantedself.com
keith Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 4:07 pm

Very good review,

The secret does work, because our minds always try to find solutions. Connect things together. So when we think about something, subconsciouse pathways emerge. Some based more on reality than others. And where our mind goes, our emotions and actions often follow

All the mystical explanations just get in the way of what’s quite a simple process to believe in
Alex Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 4:29 pm

Your post is interesting. I like The Secret movie and I’ve watched it beind discussed on CNN and the Oprah show as well. But the latest Larry King show really started to raise some red flags for me. For example, John Assarf made all these claims about “positive” and “negative” chemicals in the brain. Then he was asked where he got his research from, when a clinical psychologist called into the show. Then he made the claim that he spent 6 years in retirement, studying all these reports and research findings. But you would think, that if he had spent 6 years studying psychology and neuroscience research studies he would have been able to name a few of the authors and would have the scientific knowledge of someone with a PhD! It takes 5-7 years to get a scientific PhD, but he came across to me as someone who just dipped here and there, and then made stuff up.

Where is all this scientific research they claim is true? I could see if the said there was no research yet, then I would have more respect for all this. But they specifically claim there is plenty of research to support this. Why don’t they put a bibliography in the back of The Secret book, so we can see where all this research is coming from. But some footnotes to add credibilty.
Julie Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

Thanks, Alexander for the thoughtful review. I’m surprised there hasn’t been more said from the scientific community. The other review people might find interesting is this one in Salon (subscription required):

http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2007/03/05/the_secret/index.html?source=rss
Alex Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 4:31 pm

Sorry my grammar is bad, but I typed everything in a rush!
Ryan Coleman Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 4:34 pm

Great summary/review and valid points:

“5: The movie claims that the universe will provide”

Yeah, this one rubbed me weird the first time watching the film. At some point I saw some of the folks form the film on a TV show (maybe Oprah?) and they actually did delve deeper into that and clarified - “Well you actually have to do something to try to make it happen”

The universe is still very much self service - not delivery ;)
Ryan Coleman Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 6:43 pm

Julie:

That Salon article is a strange one… the author clearly didn’t delve much deeper into the history of the Secret past the day he/she caught it on Oprah. Judging from the meandering article they clearly have it in for Oprah (I’m not a big fan either)… but in this case she was very, very late to the Secret Party….
Rob Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 7:21 pm

Hi Alexander,

Good stuff. I love theSecret and I’ve referred to many people. But you makes some good points.

1. No proof that famous historical people knew the secret: I guess this depends on context. Many of the famous people eluded to on the site [thesecret.tv] are world class go-getters (especially in their prime). But did they know the “law of attraction” by that name… I doubt it.

2. No proof that the Law of Attraction was kept secret (conspiracy): I kind of saw that bit as a dramatization put in the Secret.

Although one might argue that the Holy Roman Church [et al] annihilated many sects that actively practiced the Law of Attraction (i.e. Rosicrucians.. if you look closely you will see this name flashed in the title sequence of the secret BTW.. The Rosicrucians -occult,societies, gnostics, heretics and others- that practiced the Law of Attraction a.k.a “magic, thought forms, visualization” or anything that did not conform was destroyed… this purification was done by Nazi Germany, the Holy Roman Empire, and other nationalistic empires that wanted complete control. Many churches go out of their way to discredit to this day.)

3-5. The Secret is Pseudo Science: As I’ve said in a previous post, I won’t even pretend to understand what quantum physics has to do with mysticism, but I do have pretty strong oppinion about the dogmatic even religious steps that science seems to have taken.

Apparently, the belief in pseudo science is on the rise in the U.S. http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/070218_ap_us_science.html
This includes UFOs, psi, astrology, mind over matter and many others.
The scientific incrowd throw them ALL out wholesale. There is such a stigma in the “accepted” scientific community that even an honest open minded question into the POSSIBILITY of the above areas deemed pseudo science can be career ending. Personal experience and phenomenology are also thrown out so that one is supposed to question their own sanity prior to believing their own eyes.

I often ask myself, who has a monopoly on reality? Science or Religion? Neither, of course. Both are simply measurements and guides on life and reality but somehow people have completely reversed this. Somehow, we have become the mere measurements of science and the puppets of religion with human perspective and life as a passing anomaly or a sin to be cleansed.

So do I believe that the human mind can influence the physical reality? I believe that an awakend mind is the most power force in the world. Able to split atoms, influence others, attain deeper understanding of the environment and more importantly, able to make up its own damn mind.
Source of Miracles » Blog Archive » The Secret is Fake: talking to Mr. Kjerulf Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 7:23 pm

[...] My response to Alexander Kjerulf on the Secret: [...]
Ruth Russell-Stern, Ph.D. Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 9:50 pm

I have enjoyed reading the thoughtful comments on this new phenomena, “The Secret”. Although there was nothing in the book or movie that was new to those of us who have been studying and practicing these methods (just calling them another name) for many years. As a Positive Psychologist myself, I agree with Dr. Holstein about the value of a discussion about how to help people live more positive lives and have the level of happiness that we all deserve. I hope that everyone who reads about this new “genie in the bottle” as someone called it, will understand that that nothing replaces good ole hard work in learning to be happy, get rich, or be successful. Who was it who said that “Inspiration is 99%perspiration.) Maybe I’ve just had to work so hard myself to learn how to be happy since I came from a dysfunctional background that I have a little trouble believing that I could have just used visualization and all would have come to me. I don’t want to be simplistic or negative about the values of this movement. I just want to add a caveat that I still believe in learning the fundamentals of anything you want to have in your life.

Great discussion!
Alexander Said,

March 15, 2007 @ 10:10 pm

Thanks for all the great comments!!

Peter: Thanks for the link, that’s a GREAT article!

John: Thanks - I tried to be even-handed here.

Barbara: “scary for people to think that their thoughts are hitting the highways to the universe”. That’s hilarious :o) I like your take on positive psychology and how it relates to TLoA, and if you ask me, THAT’S where the explanation lies. Not in quantum physics.

Keith: Exactly! It IS simple, and trying to make it complicated only makes it harder to understand and use.

Alex: Precisely. If the research is there let’s see it. If it’s not, simply state that this is a world view that we believe in from personal experience and from anecdotal evidence, that has yet to backed up by research.

Julie: Thanks for the link to the Salon article. I found it entertaining - and a little vicious :o)

Ryan: “The universe is self service - not delivery” - I like that!

Rob: Thanks for a reasoned criticism of my criticism :o)

You write that you “believe that an awakened mind is the most powerful force in the world. Able to split atoms.” To which my reply is of course: Split one for me, and I’ll believe it too :o)

While we should always be open to new ideas (anything else is unscientific), we should also remember that having an open mind also means being open to the possibility that many of the things we’d LIKE to believe are NOT so.

Ruth: I don’t think there is much of a genie there either. At some level I don’t even WANT there to be one, because it would turn the universe into a vending machine…
Peter Said,

March 16, 2007 @ 1:00 am

I first came across this ’secret’ in the context of Neuro-Linguistic Progamming, The idea is that you imagine things that you want with yourself as part of the image, with bright colours, pleasing sounds etc - all five senses engaged. You imagine things that you don’t want (the example always given is smoking) as an image on a TV (ie detached) in Black& White, with the sound turned down and in the distance.
The reasoning is that you will more likely to notice things if they are on your mind in the first place. If you have picked out a new car that you want to buy you will suddenly see that model all over the place where you never saw it before. Nothing changed in the real world - you have just started noticing.

BTW - in a similiar vien - I saw an research report several years ago. I wish I could remember where becuase I find I keep citing it to people all the time.
The study was on what makes people lucky. There are some people which seem to alwasy fall on their feet and catch all the lucky breaks while others just can’t seem to get a chance.
The main difference between the groups was that the lucky people were much more aware of what was going on around them. Simple observation was the key factor. Lucky people are more likely to notice what is happening and therefore anticipate problems and recognise opportunities.

This ties to the TLoA fairly well. If you are paying attention to something specific you are more likely to notice when the chance arises. Again the change is in yourself, not in the world around you.
Peter Said,

March 16, 2007 @ 7:30 am

Earl Nightingale used to say that there is no such thing as luck, luck is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity and opportunity is there all the time.
Wanna get lucky? Get prepared!
Wanna get prepared? Work!
Wanna work? Be happy!
Wanna be happy? Be positive! Share yourself! Give!

Zig Ziglar philosophy of “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.�? makes me think that Alexander is one happy fellow… I’m sure he still has his down moods but I’m getting all this extra “happy” and for sure he’s getting something back…

Is Alexander lucky? Sure… his preparedness shows.
Is Alexander a genius? Sure… some of the 99% perspirations shows ;)

Can YOU be just as lucky or just as genial? Sure you can… just get as prepared or as much involved in what you love.
Peter Said,

March 16, 2007 @ 7:39 am

Sorry for the previous comment… I started replying and I end up talking to myself… :D
Deb Call Said,

March 16, 2007 @ 5:27 pm

Alex - first I’m glad to connect to you and your blog by way of Jodee Bock, and to hear of your fabulous calling on behalf of the work world.

Re “The Secret,” I wrote a couple of posts about this, and like you, talked about what they left out. The big example I cited in one of the posts (”Keeping It Real”) had to do with Jack Canfield’s story on making his first million bucks. The film highlighted the beginning of his visualizing, and a couple examples of synchronicity, but failed to mention he was on the road over 300 days that year to promote the book the led to the bucks. Just a minor detail . . . that the public might need to be aware of!
Andy Wibbels Said,

March 16, 2007 @ 8:25 pm

LOVE IT.
Hilda Said,

March 17, 2007 @ 1:45 pm

Hi Alex,

great discussion! The comments I most resonate with are those of
Rob. While I do recognise some limitations with The Secret, I think it’s a great starting point for those only now being introduced to the Law of Attraction. It’s got a mainstream, materialist appeal, but that’s a hook that gets people interested. Everybody’s gotta start somewhere, and from what I’ve observed with the LoA, once started, people delve more and more, and in time get to whatever is the real truth for them.

As for what can be scientifically upheld, I’m not as concerned about that as I once was. Why limit ourselves to believing only in what has YET been proved? I believe in the power of belief and experience, so I ain’t putting my fate in the hands of science!
Hugh Said,

March 18, 2007 @ 7:05 am

Great discussion, however I’m really surprised that in the 21st century there are still so many folks hung up on scientific proof. They must have slept through all their history classes.

Science had the sun revolving around the earth and the earth flat, and it took science a long time to catch up to leading edge reality. Good old Albert is hardly cold and already his insights have been surpassed, and some of his concepts are now being questioned and expanded in new directions.

I guess the old adage still applies in 2007; “he who flies highest, sees farthest.”

Love and light
Alexander Kjerulf Said,

March 18, 2007 @ 11:01 am

Peter: I agree that there is a large measure of NLP in why TLoA works.

BTW: The luck research you mention is that of Richard Wiseman. I wrote about it here:
http://positivesharing.com/2006/08/get-lucky-at-work-be-positive/

And thanks for the amazingly kind words :o)

Deb: Great point. So maybe it’s not:
1: Visualize your goal
2: Universe provides

But:
1: Visualize your goal
2: This makes you more efficient working for your goal
3: Work towards your goal
4: Reach your goal

Hilda: I too believe in the power of belief and experience. I believe in them so much that I’m trying to figure out how they work, rather than trust in the first explanation to be proposed.

I believe that if we find out how they really work (and I’m fairly certain quantum physics ain’t it) we can use’em even better.

Hugh: “he who flies highest, sees farthest.�? - true. But only if he sees what is truly there, rather than seeing what he wants to see.

I think it’s important that we don’t make this a discussion for or against a purely scientific world view. That’s not what I’m saying at all.

What I tried to bring out in my post is that The Secret offers a number of statements concerning TLoA, that as far as I know are not true or at the very least unsubstantiated. I don’t like that.
Jodee Bock Said,

March 19, 2007 @ 4:13 pm

Man, what great dialogue! I am a fan of The Secret, because I am learning - thanks to Dick Richards - that my genius is “inviting dialogue.” I’m in hog heaven when I see so many people in dialogue, which I define as “suspending assumptions for the purpose of learning something.” I always learn so much from you and the people you attract, Alex. There’s something there about the LoA … I’m just not sure what!

I love The Secret because it’s taking this dialogue to the entire world. Say what you will about the science, the hogwash, the doubts, the questions - we are all proving the law of attraction whichever way we think about it. Think it’s hooey? You’re right. Think it’s LAW? You’re right, too. We can always find what we’re looking for, as Peter said about NLP.

So thanks, Alex once again for putting such a great question out there and allowing the dialogue. The ENTIRE WORLD is a better place because you’re here and because you attract all of us - law or hooey. That’s a fact to me!
Kenneth-games Said,

March 19, 2007 @ 10:15 pm

Personally, I believe in LOA but there are certainly incidents (natural disaster) that cant be explained by LOA alone.
Alexander Said,

March 19, 2007 @ 10:25 pm

Jodee: Yes, we are all proving that TLoA works. My beef with The Secret is that the reasons they propose for WHY it works are wrong or unsubstantiated.

Now I realize that to many people, this doesn’t matter, but I’m the kinda guy who likes to know HOW things work, not just THAT they work.

And thanks for the kind words :o)

Kenneth: I agree. Of course it’s possible to be thoroughly positive and die in a car crash - or thoroughly negative and win the lottery :o)

To say that everything that ever happened to anyone is a result of TLoA is a VERY tall order.
rob Said,

March 20, 2007 @ 4:47 am

To all theSecret.tv haters:

If you hate the Secret, what the Bleep, new age and other things that are not rational/critically thought out and within the realm of accepted scientific phenomenon, you will love this article:
http://julianwalkeryoga.zaadz.com/blog/2006/12/the_secret_spiritual_cinema

(didn’t realize that there was some sort of “philosophy Jihad” going on among those that deem themselves “spiritual”. whatever.)

Ken Wilber and Julian Walker are in alignment with Alexander’s view.

IMHO, even though Julian’s raises amazingly cutting arguments, I walked away with a positive vibe from theSecret (this puts me in the ‘not too bright category according to ken & julian… I’ve been called MUCH worse). I don’t think there is anything wrong with thinking positively. Although Ken and Julian are calling it narcissistic, infantile and dangerously naive.

As far as the Law of Attraction, Ken (over at Integral Naked) brings up the “Auschwitz” argument. The Auschwitz argument goes a little something like this: If positive thinking and LOA is all a person needs, then what about the people in Auschwitz. Nothing like positive thinking or LOA saved them. Did the victims of Auschwitz create THAT reality? Furthermore, the secret implies that all those currently suffering in the world (i.e. children with AIDS) “thought” the dilemma upon themselves. How can the Law of Attraction exist in a universe of Holocausts and AIDS babies?

He drives what seems like a “death blow” to the Law of Attraction. But I think there is still room for the LOA.

Here is a lame attempt at critical thought:
LOA is saying that the world is completely subjective. Perhaps that is a liiiittle to simplistic. More science minded folks are saying this is an objective universe and NO ONE can go around blinking objects in and out of existence (see law of conservation of energy). But I feel that the universe is neither completely objective or completely subjective. Its both. The nature of our objective situations (what ever they maybe) are colored by our interpretation of that situation. So positive thought does matter. Subject thought alone won’t be enough to undo the Holocaust the history, but its the first step to recovery.

The audacity of optimism is what keeps us clinging to hope even in the darkest times and having faith when all hope is lost. I guess that is why Hope can be our greatest strength and our greatest tragedy.

As for Human suffering it self (why does it exist if there is an LOA) that is something I will not downplay by attempting to rationalize or frame in some sort of dogma.

As far as the LOA goes, I guess I can only speak for my self when I say, some strange shit has happened to me that science can not yet explain. It maybe as Ken Wilber says, people are just bending “spirituality” into their own narcissistic self centered whims, but I doubt this is the driving force of all of us dumb asses who believe in theSecret. I suspect the Secret and similar material are so popular because both mainstream science and main stream religion have shut the door on attempting to explain or even acknowledge the existence of strange phenomenon that happens to everyday people like me short of calling us insane, stupid or being full of sin.

***********************************
Source of Miracles » Blog Archive » theSecret: the philosophy jihad among the spiritual Said,

March 20, 2007 @ 4:47 am

[...] Ken Wilber and Julian Walker are in alignment with Alexander’s view. [...]
Phyllis Roteman Said,

March 21, 2007 @ 1:32 am

Alex,

Love the blog and your critique is right on target. I have been living by the LofA (or whatever you want to call it…positive thinking, visualization)most of my life…and I don’t understand what’s so “SECRET” about it. (Is there a secret handshake? Do people who know the secret immediately recognize each other passing on the street and smugly nod and wink at each other?)

Whether or not there is proof - of brainwaves, of powerful historical figures knowing “the secret” - doesn’t really matter to me. What bothers me is when, as you point out, people take something that is a common sense, powerful idea and try to make it into something new and revolutionary…and make unsupported claims about it.

It seems to me that the author found a “hook” (a really good one) and is selling a repackaged idea (albeit a good one) by making it sound very mysterious and elusive (calling it a “secret”).

That said, I agree strongly with Deb Call’s comment about Jack Canfield. Positive thinking, visioning and sending “good vibes” into the world doesn’t do a thing if you don’t take the right action steps and work hard. Good execution is just as important as having a positive vision.

(To lighten this deep discussion) Saturday Night Live had a hilarious spoof of Oprah doing a segment on The Secret. She had a female “guest” who was trying to “will” her boyfriend to stay in a relationship with her. He had a restraining order out against her, but she was living by The Secret and refused to accept negative thoughts about the relationship. It was funny…but such a good point. You just can’t impact everything with your thoughts, and you can’t control others.
Ricky Powell Said,

March 21, 2007 @ 3:18 am

What a great statement you made! I was unsure what to
think of the Secret. I agree that it was very well produced,
but, it was very hard to get whether it was made with
integrity, or simply for profit.

The other day, I got my answer. The producers of the
Secret are about to outdo themselves. They are
creating an affiliate program called the Secret SGR.
(Science of Getting Rich). They offer tons of audio/vido/
and printed material that they package along with a
website for you at the low, low price of $2,000!

Once you buy it for yourself, you offer it to others and get
a commission of $500 for tier one sales and $250 for
tier 2 sales. If this isn’t a scam, I don’t know what is!
Alexander Said,

March 21, 2007 @ 10:24 am

rob: I agree. Even if TLoA is real (and I believe it is) that doesn’t mean it explains everything that ever happened to anybody. To say that it does is quite a claim :o)

Gravity is real and always, but gravity doesn’t explain every single physical phenomenon. In some cases, there are stronger forces at work, and gravity can be safely ignored.

And thanks for the link to Julian Walker’s article. He is a bit pointed, but very well-spoken and funny!

Phyllis: That’s a great point - I think this has also been bugging me at an unconscious level.

BTW: You can see the SNL Oprah skit here.

Ricky: Oh man! So the REAL secret turns out to be not TLoA… but multi-level-marketing. Any respect I may have had is now officially gone.
Ricky Powell Said,

March 21, 2007 @ 4:57 pm

Thank you for the link to the SNL Oprah sketch. I tried to find it on You Tube yesterday and couldn’t. I work at NBC and actually had to get it from work, but now that I know it is indeed online, I can hopefully link to my site!
joven Said,

March 21, 2007 @ 10:04 pm

I have seen the movie and i can say that the secret was not really a secret. I think all of us is subject to it and it is not a new stuff. I like the way you say that the way we think does not really project vibrations to the universe but it can give motivation to our own selves to move forward and reach our goals because of that positive thinking. All of these principles are shown on the movie but what should matter here is how we understand what it really means. Now as a follow up the makers are launching a program called the science of getting rich seminar. This seminar is based on the movie the secret.
Ken Said,

March 24, 2007 @ 9:57 pm

I don’t see any reason to hold a firm belief on anything.You’ll see it when you believe it. ;)
Sunday Reading 3/25/2007 - Said,

March 25, 2007 @ 4:11 pm

[...] Chief Happiness Officer, Alexander Kjerulf, has put into words better than I could some of the reasons I didn’t see the movie in The law of attraction is real. The movie “The Secret is a fake”. Make sure you read the comments. There’s a lot of good thought expressed. [...]
Charles Said,

March 28, 2007 @ 1:48 am

Im aware about the “laws of attraction” and the related subjects. I know they works pretty well. I often been surprised about the results i have in my life.

But, im not here to praise this film, The Secret.

You should ask you a few question before listening to this movie and any movie/book if this kind…

The first question should be : Do they give information for free or are they doing that for the cash ? Truely, if i were the guy who discovered this “secret”, by respect for every humans beings, and for the good of everything, i would give this information for free and i would write books, create movies to have an income.

Just go on their website, they just sell books and movies. Listen to the trailer… is there something wrong ?? I smell cash !

The second question should be : Do they give good values (like respect, joy, intelligence, etc) ? Check some book’s tips :

“Capitalizing on basic human feelings such as greed can bring you vast wealth” Greed ?? Do you really want to base your life on greed ? Do you really want to be selfish ? To take from others, to keep everything for you ?

“Try not to use any critical-thinking skills or logic when pondering concept of The Secret” This is exactly the way religions works. Follow and do not ask questions. They are selling millions copies of “the bible” that way.

“The Secret does not work if you are attempting to learn it from stolen, bootlegged, or borrowed products from Prime Time Productions” That’s cool, they now have a copyright on the universe. Hello Mr. ABC, send this letter to 10 friends before midnight or else you will die in one week.
Charlie Said,

March 30, 2007 @ 8:48 am

allow me to introduce to you the book called Urantia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urantia
Brett Said,

April 3, 2007 @ 5:50 am

I think all your comments are intersting and it helps to clarify questions I had. But even if the Secret is mumbo jumbo like some have pointed out, or if the TLoA is real, we have to look at one thing. People who are maybe not PHD’s like some and maybe not even college educated are now searching and their wheels are turning.
This may be shaddy for some, but a lot of times all someone needs to change their life around is hope. And no matter what you say, if you thank the universe daily for things that you thought no importance in your life, you will begin to fall in love with what you got. You will notice things about yourself that others might think is unique but you see it everday or take it for just being so.

We are all debating if this is valid scientifically and if metaphysically this is crap. Maybe both points are valid, but we are missing the bigger point. Positive thinking brings positive results. If you believe you can do something, you will find a way.
And debate me if I am wrong but we could all use some positive hope in our world, with all the war and wrong doings by nations, governments, sects, and people in general. People are slowly believing Bigbrother is in control and we are all just pawns so what does it matter.

But what if, just “what if” we as people controlled our own destiny.
That is main thing from quantum physics, the secret, the bleep, huna and whatever else you want see nowadays is stating.

It’s just a thought, but what a beautiful thought it could be for a world.
John Said,

April 7, 2007 @ 6:07 am

I admire your courage for attacking a very popular video and book, however, I feel that maybe you need to watch it a few more times and get the real meaning out of it. It’s purpose, I beleive is to get everyone thinking about their life as it stands now, and what they need to do to change it. Does it really matter if all the facts are true? Whats more important, is to feel good, and spread that feeling. We often get into a rut, but wallowing away in self pity instead of giving ourselves a good kick in the ass and get on with things.
Don’t banish the hopes of others, read or watch the video again and again, and start to feel the good in it, not the negative.
Ricky Powell Said,

April 8, 2007 @ 1:04 am

I think the motivation behind any project is important. For some of us, their motivation is so crystal clear that it completely negates any good that would otherwise have been gleaned from it. The Secret is about one thing… making money. There are many, many other examples on the net that can influence people in a positive way. Alexander is doing a fantastic job enlightening people about the 9 to 5 happiness at work aspect. I am doing my best to help as well. At i-choose-happiness.com, I try to show people that regardless of what happens in your Universe, your ultimate happiness is completely dependant on how you respond to the circumstances. Once you realize that life is hard… it gets a whole lot easier!
Tori Ramdrovers Said,

April 9, 2007 @ 3:16 pm

I highly doubt most comments in adamant rebuttal of The Secret were left by those who are living lives of their dreams. I even saw one comment that admitted a dysfunctional childhood. It is easy to pick apart a documentary like The Secret because it forces one to truly self-examine. People are comfortable in thier misery when they believe the cause of the misery is due to some outside external force or plain ole rotten luck. The Secret tells you that you are responsible for every situation you attract into your life. That your life, is your fault! That in and of itself is a hard pill for most to swallow. I’m no PhD, nor am I expert of quatum physics. But I do know that there is an enormous amount of research on it that supports the claims there are brains do not distinguish between physical reality and simple thought. I won’t elaborate further, rather, I admonish all to research it for yourself. I have. People will pick apart CNN interviews, attempt to debunk talk show appearances, and explain away each and every work uttered in public by those in support of The Secret’s message. It is hard for one to realize the YOU created all the crap in your life. There is what happens to us, and what we decide it means. Each person from the scientific community knows that it is a fact that nothing on this planet is anything other than energy. Energy is the base of all things broken down to it’s basic most pure level. I would be good money that the pioneer of this rant has less than the life they want to live. So, dismissal of the idea that the Universe is a vending machine is easy. Not to mention, The Secret never implied that was the concept. Did anyone here watch The Secret, really? Or is taking ownership of your life just too hard to swallow? I almost find it too exhausting to go on because so many comments are so far off base and exaggerated. My suggestion is to go watch The Secret for yourself before you fall prey to the mindless yammerings of an psuedo-movie reviewers. Bottom, it could change your life.
Allen Said,

April 10, 2007 @ 10:33 am

Hmmm…. there are plenty of wise sages that will tell you that happiness is not about “what you can get from the universe” but letting go of the cravings for “things” in the first place.

I find the self centeredness ME ME ME of this whole concept of “The Secret” repugnent. What about helping others first!

I am going to ask the universe for something now… Dear universe can we have some world peace please? Can we also try and help the people who want to be “rich” help share with the starving of this world..
Ricky Powell Said,

April 10, 2007 @ 4:21 pm

Allen,

I completely agree! I read in one of the books that I distribute, “How to be happy and have fun changing the world”, that one of the most important keys to happiness is HELPING OTHERS!

I headed the advice and added a helping others page to my website where people can donate to great causes with just the click of their mouse… doesn’t cost them a cent. I am still amazed that it hasn’t caught on yet.

When we help others, we take the focus off ourselves. The minutes we start focusing on ourselves and what we “want”, I think we are going backwards!
Myrna Mink Said,

April 10, 2007 @ 10:24 pm

Tori, sorry, but “The Secret” is NOT a documentary. It’s an infomercial. It wasn’t made by a neutral outside party, it was made by the company that publishes the book- hardly unbiased.

And if everyone “created all the crap in (their) life”, how does that account for bad things happening to children? Yep, that’s a simplistic criticism, but it’s a good basic one. If the authors of “The Secret” can answer that one, then perhaps they do have something to say.

Allen, amen!
Angela Said,

April 16, 2007 @ 12:17 am

I have read the comments about the Secret with great delight.

The first thing I would like to add is I am delighted with the debate.

Now I would like to add or rebut some of Alexander’s beefs with The Secret.

He notes in point #3 that the movie gave us the impression that we send out thought waves that affect others, and indeed the world. I will give one example of many that have occurred in my life. I was at home minding my own business when an image of my friend appeared in my mind. It showed him rolling around the floor in agony asking me to help him, while he was clinching his stomach. I immediately called to hear him gasping for air, as he told me he was in trouble. He was later rushed to the hospital, and admitted.

So, I happen to agree that we do give out thought waves. My friend’s brain waves altered the way I see the world. His electromagnet waves of thought altered the Universe, because I am part of this Universe. I have no interest in whether there is scientific proof. Science has yet to explain premonition, which I have had. When that happens to you a few times, after the shock wears off, you begin to question a lot of what science or for that matter religion tells us.

My question is why should I wait for some other person or persons called scientists to tell me what is happening inside or to me. Is it not real until it is explained? Whose reality is more real? Mine, Science, Religion or people that want to wait for science to make sense of the world around us.

The Universe that we are apart of is a very mysterious place and we should deal with it the best we can and get on with life. Now if some want to dismiss it, and that works for them great. I personally am wowed by it, because it opens the possibility that just maybe I have a little more control of the world than I am made to believe.

As far as the Universe providing in point # 5, I can say that the universe has never NEVER let me down. Now I have not been asking for a Ferrari, but if I was I believe I would get one. All the things I have asked for in my life have manifested in one form or the other. Good and bad.

I think common sense must prevail. The Secret made it abundantly clear that you must work towards your goals. Yes, I believe that you can and should prime your mind with images or picture of success, but you must take action to make it happen. I do recall one of the speakers telling us if we want unexpected money, then we should just ask. However, I am aware that what you ask for will manifest, and it might be a result of one of my family members dying and leaving me money. So, I have been careful not to go down that road.

Finally, The Secret was a life line for me. I was in a lot of pain and self pity, because of something that happened beyond my control. At least I thought it was beyond my control, but after the Secret it reminded me of the power I had once, the power to believe in my own skills and ability. I have reclaimed my place in this world and for that I thank them. I do not care if the Secret members make millions of dollars. Good for them. I say any bit of hope that is out there that allows people to move in a direction of empowerment is great.

What I know for a fact is if people are all about self service and greed, the Universe will give them lessons and consequences for their actions. I have seen it happen time and time again in my own sphere of influence.

I believe that The Secret and for that matter “What the Bleep do we know�?, resonate for many people like me, because we have had experiences that do not fit with the model of the world that we are made to believe. I have no idea how and why any of the things that happen to me work, but I can tell you I am taking full advantage of them. And I share it with anyone that wants to listen.

Like Alexander said the LofA works. The Secret is a good starting point for people that want to explore something positive and empowering. And for all that is wrong with The Secret, the good out weighs it by a mile.
Tiat Said,

April 17, 2007 @ 6:06 pm

The movie was dramatized to give the impression of secrecy.

Nonetheless, it brings to the masses the concept of The Law of Attraction.

However, we certainly need to be careful less we oversimplify this law.

I came across this report by Bob Proctor and Stephen Pierce recently on this law as well. The free copy can be downloaded here: Abundance Law Free Report
Andrew Pan Said,

April 21, 2007 @ 9:58 pm

Hi Angela,

Since you loved The Secret, and The Law of Attraction, I would strongly recommend that you read the “Attraction Accleration Report” in which Bob Procter reveals more of his thought-provoking theories on the Law of Attraction. This latest exclusive report is free for download at the following link: http://www.personalgrowthselfesteem.com/download/attractionaccelerationreport.pdf

I am sure you would love it.

andrewpan
Angela Said,

April 22, 2007 @ 11:42 pm

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the report. I am reading it and find it interesting.
Catherine Lawson Said,

May 1, 2007 @ 2:06 am

Thanks for the great review. I first read about the Law of Attraction a few years ago in Think and Grow Rich. I’ve now read the book several times, but I bought The Secret, enjoyed it and have recommended it to others. Many people I know wouldn’t bother to read the whole book, and my kids are too young to enjoy it, but they all seemed to like the DVD, and grasp what it was about.

The DVD was very simplistic, and of course, it doesn’t go into the detail the book does. Some of you have mentioned that it is all very much me me me, and all about gaining money. Admittedly it does come across that way, but the book is not the same, and it explains that the law of attraction can be used for many purposes other than to gain money for oneself.

What I don’t like about The Secret is the $2000 briefcase on offer. I’ve not actually seen the briefcase but I’ve read the description, and to me it sounds like a real rip off. The main thing on offer in there seems to be membership to an affiliate program, and you shouldn’t have to pay to sell other people’s things for them.

Anyone who did enjoy the secret and would like to read further should check out Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
Ryan Coleman Said,

May 1, 2007 @ 2:42 am

Catherine - careful, don’t confuse Bob Proctor’s new scam “The Secret to Getting Rich” with “The Secret” proper.

That whole SGR/Briefcase thing is a total MLM scam and doesn’t really have much to do with “The Secret” except for guys like Proctor.
Lawrence Said,

May 9, 2007 @ 6:02 pm

Hi, I’m curious about your comment “That whole SGR/Briefcase thing is a total MLM scam”.

Did you have a bad experience?
Ricky Powell Said,

May 10, 2007 @ 7:04 pm

Speaking from experience, I have been in so many mlm companies, I have lost count. My intention was NEVER to get rich quick. Getting rich slowly was just fine. In fact, in one company (that has been around for over 100 years), In just a few short months, I won an award for 12th place consultant in North America. I went to the National Business conference, walked accross the stage, shook hands with the owner, received my plaque, and just months later, I quit because none of it meant anything in tems of actual dollars.

The model behind the mlm concept is great, but unfortunately, in the long run, it works for probably less than 1% of the people. And, I have to say, most of that 1%, is operating on a level where they know exactly what becomes of most people yet continue to suck them in.

When I saw that Proctor had stooped to that level, I fell out of my chair. I spoke with someone else very prominant in the self help industry who was also shocked.

The interesting thing is that I just began reading the actual, original book, “the Science of Getting Rich”, and am finding it very interesting. Only about 1/4 of the way through, but I am sure there is no mention of mlm anywhere in it!

Hope this helps!
Ricky
Kendt B said Said,

May 17, 2007 @ 10:16 pm

Hey wow

All i could say is that its really nice to share all this points of view here with you guys i just first want to say that the more i visualize my self with my ferrari and my beutifull house and everything else i feel happy but there is no inspiration to go out there and work hard to do the things that need to be done to make my dreams true i just feel lazy a tired and just want to spend time home and relax so how can thinking you have something already make you want to go out there and make those dreams come true something i have done is think of how hard life will get to me if i dont work hard and save and think of a smart idea to grow in every area of my life somethings are true in the movie and in most of all the books but we just have to take the best of them and make our own conclusions not to long ago i went to Anthony Robbins seminar and i could tell you that i did some amazing things and cryed and re programed my mind and when I got out of there i felt like i could save the world i felt like i could really do everything i put my mind to!!! but after 6 months im trying to feel the same way and i dont want to pay $700 dollars again beacuse it wouldnt be a smart investment until i could know that i could find those fealings on my own but i dont regret going even though at first it felt a bit expensive so now i wounder is the science of getting rich that powerfull like the seminar i dont think so REASON # WHY NOT BECAUSE BOB PROCTOR EVEN THOUGH HE HAS STUDY THE SUBJECT FOR 30 YEARS I NEVER HEARD OF HIM UNTIL NOW CAUSE OF THE MOVIE BUT OF ANTHONY ROBBINS I HAD SO THATS WHY THIS TIME I WILL NOT SPEND THE $ 2000 ON WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL I AGREE IT SOUNDS LIKE A SCAM BUT IM SURE IT HAS VERY INTERESTING INFORMATION BUT NOT WORTH $2000 WORTH WHAT ARE THEY SMOKING ????? HAHAHA but can someone tell me if the book is any good the science of getting reapt off ?? im serius anyone ???
Leigh Said,

May 21, 2007 @ 2:51 am

I have not seen the film The Secret but I did see the interview about the book on Oprah.

My first interest was to find out what her 4 or 5 successful collaborators had done to get out of their “hopeless and terrible” situations (I have to say I am being somewhat sarcastic because I don’t think their backgrounds were that hopeless. I think their are many people in this world who experience adversity and come out to be successful in many ways with knowing the secret.) Getting back to my point. I watched and listened waiting to hear what all of the guests on Oprah had achieved and how they had achieved their success. All of them had created success through being a “motivational speaker” of one kind or another. They have created their success through selling “invisible clothes” to the masses. More people should have been read the King with no Clothes when they were children. Additionally, isn’t this all old hat. Didn’t Anthony Robbins do all this.

The Secret reminds me of the many pyramid scheme out there. I bought into it, you buy into it and we will all get rich. So much of this is also like the new religion. It is also very closely related to the psychology of prosperity gospel. So shallow and so much about acquiring financial gain. What about the poverty in so many third world countries. Are you telling me that all those people don’t wish for a better life, that they are never positive.

Additionally, like the evangalits, people involved in the secret seem to make up what they are saying as they go along. Drawing conclusions and making interpretations to suit the point they are trying to make. Yet there is never any substance to what they say.

The Secret is just another form of exploitation to line the pockets of a few from the desperate and gullible.

You achieve what you have in life through great effort to overcome adversity and hard work. That is the only secret. Set goals and strive for those goals. Surround yourself with good people and share good spirit and compassion to those who need and deserve it and gratification will come from the experiences that come from this.

Where is the child who calls out though the crowd “THE KING IS NAKED.”
Jonathan Evatt Said,

May 23, 2007 @ 3:28 am

Alexander,
So nice to have found your blog and to have read this article you’ve written.
When I watched The Secret I was very moved. Moved to write an ebook that would help fans of The Secret untangle themselves from the mess it has made of introducing a wide audience of people to The Law Of Attraction. So far this article you have written is up there as one of the best I’ve seen from some one who agrees that The LOA is real, but also disagrees with out The Secret has presented it.

And for those people into reading… Find your self a free copy of The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles (I think that’s the correct spelling). It’s free (if you look around on Google) and this is, in my opinion, what most of the material in The Secret was taken from. Might as well go to the source of the info, without all the hype.

With my regards,

Jonathan Evatt
http://www.livingthesecret.tv
Wisdom from Alexander Kjerulf at livingthesecret.tv Said,

May 23, 2007 @ 3:32 am

[...] found an article over at http://positivesharing.com/2007/03/the-law-of-attraction-is-real-the-movie-the-secret-is-fake/ which is worth reading. Alexander has made a well constructed point with regards to some of the [...]
natalie Said,

May 25, 2007 @ 7:35 am

i have just finished watching the secret and it all just seems to good to be true! i was wondering if you could answser my question for me. My friend has cancer and was told he would live for 2 months i want to help him with my thoughts. If i picture him being healthy and think good things like him surviving will i be helping or can i only help my self i will show him the movie but would like to think i am also helping him with my thoughts. PLEASE REPLY ASAP. thank you
natalie Said,

May 25, 2007 @ 8:25 am

its seems to good to be true so if anyone has had an experience with the secret they would like to share please do..
Brooke Said,

May 26, 2007 @ 1:35 am

Science or science fiction, who cares? I am working with the ideas put forth in The Secret. In fact I use ideas from many different sources, Christian, Pagan and those of Eastern traditions, I mix them all. I am absolutly in awe of what I am learning and seeing. Yes, this is anecdotal and I am not asking for more than that. My friends and I believe in the parking angels and have seen this work over and over. How to explain all of this, I do not know and I do not care. Physically, all matter is just a form of energy so who can say that other forms of energy have no effect on each other. The universe his teaching me to trust in it.
Dara Said,

May 27, 2007 @ 11:42 pm

I don’t know if there are energy waves coming out of my head but I agree with another commenter that once you start even considering LOA exists some “weird shit” happens. I recently stated I wanted a recording of a obscure song mostly sung by choirs. Two days later a woman gave me some old sheet music…with THAT song. A couple weeks later at an activity I attend every week, someone gave a bunch of us a tape she had recorded a while back and did not sell. THAT song was there. Now I did not “pay more attention” to find it.. Or tell anyone I wanted it. Pretty weird for a conicidence. Maybe theres no scientific evidence YET, but it happened somehow. I am sure people thinking the earth being round were thought of as nut jobs also. Maybe we can sorta consider that somethings we have no way to measure..yet…come on..we all ahve had that dodododod thing.
I think it is important however, that yes action..taking action from these “coincidences” or whatever they are is what counts.Then things unfold. And also LOA is only ONE law. The real problem I have with the “The Secret” is it sets people us for self-loathing. Well this (bad experience) came into my life. I didn’t do it right. Shit happens, maybe because only because we were around when someone took out their wrath or maybe for reasons we never know a little one becomes ill. There are lots of other factors in life. I know for me that it was “bad stuff” that inspired me to become more spiritual, to meditate, and so on, things that improved my life. But I do beleive we can tremendously improve our lives with LOA concepts.

Oh! And if anyone discovers HOW I only have to THINK “cheques in the mail” and they come. EMAIL ME! :)
Carlos Said,

May 30, 2007 @ 5:16 pm

Here is a secret, Don`t think that much, just FEEL GOOD.

That’s the point of all this video. Fake or not it doesn’t matter. Just FEEL GOOD and don’t think so much. There is things that can’t be explained with words, just can be felt. it’s so simple.
Jonathan Evatt Said,

May 31, 2007 @ 9:57 pm

Thanks Dara. I really liked what you’ve shared here. Nice one.

Jonathan
Anthony Said,

June 2, 2007 @ 1:37 pm

I have seen the movie ‘The Secret’. I have also gone thru a personal interview with Bob Proctor. Now I am made to believe that its right and it does work.
If u wish, try crosscheck that interview there..
http://www.SuccessActivator.com
Vedran Said,

June 4, 2007 @ 2:01 am

Well, since the whole idea behind this movie is based on emerald tablet, it can be said that it was kept secret during the course of history. You can see a scene where the green tablet is being copied at the start of the movie.
The emerald tabled according to many sources did exist, and the biggest part of alchemy is based on what it teaches. It was belived to be written by Hermes Trismegistus.
Plato stated in his works that the much of this ancient knowledge was kept in the temple of Neith at Sais. And it’s interesting sources Alexander the Great went to Sais to visit a “prophetic stone”, where he “achieved enlightment”. This was at the begining of his conquests, and we all know what he did after that.
True origin of the tablet is lost in legends that go back over 10,000 years, and the wondrous artifact was translated into Greek by Alexandrian scholars and put on display in Egypt in 330 BC. Around the year 400 AD, it was reportedly buried somewhere on the Giza plateau to protect it from religious zealots who were burning libraries around the world at that time.
One copy of the emerald tablet reappeared around 800 AD in a text called Kitab Sirr al-Asrar, but a question remains how much of it is actually authentic.
Oh, and btw Isac Newton translated the emerald tablet, so yes, he did indeed hold this knowledge. About all the other people mentioned, I don’t really know, but it was kept secret throughout history.
The Secret is Really No Big Secret | Law of Attraction | Rhonda Byrne Said,

June 13, 2007 @ 6:22 pm

[...] The law of attraction is real. The movie “The Secret” is fake. [...]
Sam Said,

June 15, 2007 @ 10:43 pm

You’re exactly right. I too believe in the Law of Attraction, which is simply your mind working to create what it mostly thinks about. Other than that, I believe the movie is pure “Hollywood”. But still, I like it. It’s entertaining and the main message (what you think about, comes about) is interwoven throughout the film. And as long as it creates more positive people in this world, then the better off we all are. I, for one, wouldn’t mind being out of debt or ridding myself of this debt consciousness that I now believed has kept me there. So, though I agree with your assessment, I will follow Bob Proctor’s wisdom, and that is not to dismiss it just because I don’t understand all of it. One caveat, though, I do believe it’s easier for some than for others. I, for one, think I am one of the “others”, so I do have my work cut out for me.
Jake Said,

June 15, 2007 @ 11:45 pm

Sam, you’re falling right in the trap! I’ve been in the biggest and the most evil MLM too (see Ricky’s note) and one thing I learned to be true is there are people out there that will use this LOA to their greedy advantage. MLM’s are more organized and more devious, for sure, but still be careful how you spread your (lack of) money around. Stop in at B&N (or Borders) and pick up and read (but not necessarily buy) the book Attractor Factor. I appreciate Joe Vitale’s complete honesty how he wanted a car so he through together an on-line $1,500 e-course and got thirthy people to buy in. Yikes! Do you think these e-students got their $1,500 worth? That could have easily been a free e-course. Joe is amazingly open about other things too, which makes me totally believe he’s stating what he believes to be true. If only the MLM’s out there were more honest…

Do yourself a favor, try the gratitude test each morning when you wake, where you are thankful for everything in your life during breakfast, showering, shaving, etc., and if you can keep that up for a week, then your heading in the right direction. However, if you can’t do this simply, free exercise for seven straight days, then don’t throw your money away. Prove to yourself first that you have the wherewithall to follow through on what they’re selling before you begin buying.
radu Said,

June 27, 2007 @ 11:42 pm

I like that this review is not dismissing the Law of Attraction though you wouldn’t have criticized the movie so much if you understood the Law of Attraction or at least experience some real miracles with it. Everybody is asking for scientific evidence before they try anything because they don’t want to waste time or energy or something. The processes are extremly complex to be proven scientifically yet. The law of attraction is like a living organism that influences the whole cause effect graph of the universe on a subatomic level. It is energy and you can’t measure that with science(you can play with imaginary energies). Only the human mind can percieve that. The purpuse of the science is to let us know what is going on with particular phenomena. But only our mind can put these all wonderfull discoveries toghether to understand the universe better.

All the famous people quoted in the movie knew about the law of attraction. Maybe they didn’t have a name for it, or maybe they did not even know what they were doing good but the law of attraction allways works even if you want to or not, if you realize or not.

“That seems to me to be a very mechanical, shallow, self-serving description of the universe.” Don’t be imposible, this team had just 120 minutes to send the message and I think they did it very well. They could have described everything with energies but not so many people understand(I mean really understand) what these are. They didn’t have any other choice than to go vague on many things. They are giving some examples which I must say that are not very complex so one might have dificulties when tring to assimilate them with the whole ideea.

There is no real world and inner world. It is the same world, the same universe. The way you percieve things its part of the universe. And if that changes than the whole universe is changing. There is a fizical phenomenon for each thought that we have. And fizically speaking, each cause has an effect and each effect is a cause. This is the way that the law of attraction works. At some point your thoughts will manifest fizically, first in your behaviour, and then even in your “real world”. The thing with the electromagnetic waves is just the proof that the thoughts are actually manifesting fizicaly so they must have an effect which at some point will manifest outside our head. You don’t have to take the special effects literally. That wave is actually the causes and the effects that one thought creates.

You are beeing suggested in the movie to go find evidence for your self, to read about different faimous people, study. The movie wasn’t made to prove anything. It’s purpuse is to get on the right path the ones who are ready to do so and they tried to make the sceptics at least to shut the f up by beeing polite. It is not the case with these review but that didn’t happen completly.

Analyze your dreams, make as many as possible. At some point you will get exhausted if you did not understand the law of attraction or whatever you might want to name it. Most people choose frustration when this happens in stead of understanding that there is something nonfizical making the world go round and that the universe is offering everything you need if you are on the right track to evoluate(that’s what happiness is). In other words, you are happy if you evoluate and you will be happier if you evoluate even more but you will fell bad if you stop… do not try to get along with the bad feelings!!! Be on your way to illumination
Mel Said,

June 30, 2007 @ 11:27 pm

Since nobody actually has the answers as to how the universe works at all, I am curious to know how you can say our thoughts don’t make things happen.
Of course being a movie, I suppose they glamorised the Secret to get people interested, and it worked, Everyone on this site has watched it.
The creators of the secret had riches in mind for their lives, I think they have made a few dollars out of this.
All I can say is that we have thoughts for a reason and I do believe that thoughts combined with emotion can get you to your goal quickly.
I bet all of the people woh don’t agree with the Secret, can not give scientific evidence to oppose what the Secret says!
Thats because we don’t understand it, so our thoughts may very well lead to action.
Leo Foster Said,

July 12, 2007 @ 12:41 am

Thank you for this much needed discussion about the NEW Law of Attraction — which happens to be the ANCIENT Law of Belief.

When you examine this law from the point of view of beliefs (and values/rules) it is a lot easier to understand.

The movie had a positive effect as far as making people aware that something that “attracts” exists.

Let’s also remember that controversy always helps SALES. And it would be logical and common sense to assume the producers wanted to SELL and sell a lot! Thats’ why some of the “facts” were, well, let’s just say ‘twisted here and there’ and leave it at that.

Your article is very well written and raises critical points for which we may or may not find the answers during our lifetime.

In the absences of absolutely irrefutable proof of HOW it exactly works, the WISE thing to do is learn how to activate this Law of Belief (= NEW Law of Attraction) and make it work in our favor.

Alexander, thanks a lot for bringing this subject to public awareness. You are doing a great service to all!

Leo Foster.
http://www.makemoneyfastgetrichbeamillionaire.com
Hazel Lim Said,

July 12, 2007 @ 8:23 pm

I agree that there is such a thing as Law of Attraction. The movie “The Secret” is very subjective and it is bases on someone else’s opinion or experiences. Well there are some things in the movie that I would agree with like ask, believe and recieve.

There was a time when I needed to get a kimono badly for an event and my friend who was going to lend me one, sabotaged me at the last min. I was desperately thinking where can I find the kimono one day before the event, knowing that it was difficult to find an uncommon item in the shopping malls.

So, the day before the event, I prayed and hope to find one before my lunch appointment. Just before I walk into the restaurant, I decided to turn into a corner shop to take a look. Lo and behold, just as I was turning around the corner, there stood a Japanese shop, all things Japanses. I manage to find what I wanted. So was it a coincidence or The Law Of Attraction at work?
Leo Foster Said,

July 13, 2007 @ 4:58 pm

Hello, Alexander.

Hello, Hazel Lim.

Hazel, that’s is a great example of the Law of Attraction.

Keep in mind that the Law of Attraction is just a NEW name for the very ANCIENT Law of BELIEF.. It states that “what you deeply believe at the subconscious level you will materialize in your life”, “It is done unto you as you believe”, “What you believe is what you get”, “You receive/materialize exactly according to your beliefs”, “Man must manifest, in all planes of existence, the sum total of his beliefs”.

What activates those VIBRATIONS and the Law of Attraction are BELIEFS, VALUES and RULES.

If you want to change what the Law of Attraction is bringing you the ONLY way is to change your BELIEFS, VALUES and RULES, which automatically changes your VIBRATIONS. . There is NO other way.

And the MORE your Beliefs, values and rules are in HARMONY with what you desire to attract, the BETTER and FASTER results you SHALL get.

YOU, Hazel, provide us with another way to state this Law of Belief, popularized lately with the name of “Law of Attraction”.
This new way is “Ask, BELIEVE, receive”. You are CORRECT. And it is essentially the same as the other definitions above.

If you don’t BELIEVE, you may ask and you will NOT receive what you want. You will receive the opposite, i.e., what you REALLY believe (which is the OPPOSITE of what you are asking).

Thanks, Hazel, for your great insight.

And once more, thanks to Alexander, for starting this marathon
of MORE and BETTER “thinking”.

Leo Foster.

http://www.makemoneyfastgetrichbeamillionaire.com
Law of Attraction Directory Said,

July 13, 2007 @ 6:52 pm

I thoroughly agree with your rebuttel. The law of attraction works, and can help many people. The movie the secret has potentially brainwashed people into thinking they are magnets. And the last time I checked, with magnets, opposites attract. However, the original law of attraction, before the secret came out, is what people should learn more about.

I run a law of attraction/self improvement article site and I would be extremely grateful if you would submit an original article to our site. We include all author info., links, etc.

http://www.secret-of-lawofattraction.com and click the Submit an Article tab. Thanks.
A believer Said,

July 18, 2007 @ 6:38 am

I liked the movie. It made me smile (literally) - actually - I couldn’t help it. Usually I watch movies with little or no expression (except for maybe squinting my eyes).

I have used the law of attraction (did not know what it was called before now).

One example that my husband loves to remind me about is when we were holding a family reunion at our house (in the country). The reunion was to be held on a Sunday. On the Friday evening prior - our direct neighbor began spraying liquid pig manure on his crops all through the night - truck after truck arrived spraying right up to our property line. Saturday moring the smell was so vile that it made you gag to just be outside for a couple minutes. It was COMPLETELY foul. Of course, I was furious because there was seemingly no way that smell would be gone before Sunday (the next day). But, instead of letting negative thoughts and anger take over - I told my husband that my good friend JC would help us out. Then I asked and thought over and over for the air to be fresh and clean smelling just long enough for our guests. I went to bed Saturday night still imaging and believing it would be so - I really believed it - I really believe JC would do this for me. My husband, the early riser, rushed in to wake me Sunday morning to tell me “you’re not going to believe this, but there is absolutely no smell foul outside”. He added it would likely come later when the wind changed. But I KNEW it wouldn’t - I felt it. I KNEW it was my answer, and allowed myself to be thankful for it - instead of allowing in any of my husbands seeds of doubt. For the ENTIRE day there was not so much as a hint of smell. I mean, the air - even with a light breeze (the weather was beautiful) carried absolutely no foul odor (I asked ‘the nose’ my mother - to be sure). The reunion was a huge success. Later - still needing another explaination - my husband was making comments about how the smell must have burned off on the Saturday - trying to make sense of it. But, I assured him it would be back on Monday - since I had been very specific about the timing. And, sure enough the stench was back FULL FORCE on Monday when he got up - and it lasted a full week there after.

I’ve had MANY other similar such things happen in my life. But I didn’t not know or realize (before now) how it was not just luck - but can be a way of living. I usually have thought of it as being JC - so I have never been what might seem indulgent in my concious requests. JC - a govenor of sorts of my concious desires.

I must admit now - that although I would love to try to put into practice such use for personal gain and indulgence - that my beliefs make me fearful of the consequences.

Perhaps religion is really the suppressor of the law of attraction?
Leo Foster Said,

July 21, 2007 @ 12:10 am

To “A believer”.

That is a very good example t===>>> you attract what you DEEPLY BELIEVE.

You are correct about religion.

Indeed, religion is ONE of the GREAT destroyers of the Law of BELIEF, which is the real name of this ANCIENT law. How can religious leaders and authorities control you and manipulate you unless they suppress the knowledge of this law?

Let me put my psychic hat and make a prediction……. you will never become a multimillionaire, not even a millionaire, because of your limited beliefs (imposed by false religious beliefs you accepted). And most likely, your religious BELIEFS will also stop your husband from achieving great financial success. You will get by — and believe it is great religious triumph. According to whose criteria/opinion?

I wonder when these religions will start preaching that “It is an absolutely HORRENDOUS and abominable SIN to be poor or experience ANY financial LACK or limitation”. That will be the most
joyous day for this planet!

Get rid of those beliefs that “religion” and being very, very wealthy are INCOMPATIBLE. That is only YOUR belief, a VERY false one. And only if your specific religion is preaching the evils of being wealthy. Interesting though … these same religions are the ones which ask you to donate and tithe to them — you work and sweat and give your money to them; they live off your money.
Wonderful! Did you ever think about that?

Do yourself, your husband, your family and the world a BIG favor: change those beliefs and adopt the one that it is your BIRTHRIGHT to have great wealth and abundance. After all, since you are on this planet, why not demand and expect the very BEST with NO limitations whatsoever?

This planet needs a LOT MORE wealthy people who will use their
wealth for the benefit of those less fortunate — and that is NOT
happening right now. Just the opposite. YOU could make all the difference in the world — especially since you already know how to activate the ancient Law of Belief (commercialized as the Law of Attraction).

To Alexander ====>>>>> have a joyous weekend!

Leo Foster.

http://www.makemoneyfastgetrichbeamillionaire.com
sinan erer Said,

July 23, 2007 @ 2:11 pm

hello to all who have contributed to this discussion so far,

everyone has different opinions; i accept that as is. i have had experiences in my life which i could not explain by applying commonly acquired knowledge pertaining positive science. however, as any personal experience you might have encountered, they were real. well, what do you do when you can not explain something? you tend to forget about, accept it as it is, or just believe that what just happened, happened for a reason linked to a complex underlining sequences of events, which probably is beyond the reach of our positive understanding..

law of attraction is a wide topic to discuss, and scientifically it must still be accepted as controversial, as it is not backed up by statistically plausible scientific data. for the time being, it must be dealt with within the context of personal belief systems. however i may say that, no matter what you want to call it, this thing in fact proved itself in my experiences.

the movie, on the other hand, seems more likely to be a candidate of commercialization just because of the way it is presented. i am coming from eastern mediterranean background, and the film is evidently made with the average north-american in mind, as the target audience. its arguments are mostly focused on one’s self and the manifestation of their capitalistic intends. i think this is the main reason why so many people -though they seemed to like the concept- ends up with a suspicious attitude and a damaged feeling of credibility about the film. after all, the film overtly “teaches you” the way to acquire an expensive house, an italian sports car and wealth, and promises even more wealth, like those are our only concerns. well, guess what? in fact, as a person living in north america, i believe it is very much true that these mere material things occupy a lot of space on the minds of the people, who live in a sheer capitalistic society. i had no idea what the film was about, i happened to see it by chance. when the secret is revealed as the law of attraction, and was followed by a suite of “how to become a richer person, so you can better fit your dominating economical regime”, my unconscious defense mechanism popped up. it made me a bit nervous to think that i was in fact taking part in making some film producer richer. so i watched it again, this time letting my mind free from predominant ideas or prejudices, and personally concluded that if one can overcome the commercial presentation that is flowing throughout the movie, and can read in between the lines, the film may prove absolutely inspiring for a lot of people out there. i think one line that was used in the movie, should be underlined explicitly in more than one occasion: that money it self does not bring happiness.

i found my soul mate, thanks to the deliberately concentrated thought of having that right person in my life, backed up by the experience of years of trial and error in relationships, and evidently learning what i actually wanted; and this film, in its simplicity, may be seen as a good intention to give this procedure a name and inspiration to people.

one thing i can certainly accept as a universal truth, is that positive thinking is never a bad thing, you and people around you will always benefit from it. believing beyond that, is up to ones own personal preferences.
regards
s.
7cevan7 Said,

July 24, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

The Secret really is no secret. Whether or not those famous people in the movie stood up and said “Hey, I know a secret”, is not the point”. The point is very simple. Focusing on the negative brings about negative, focusing on the positive brings positive. You don’t need science or math to prove that. It is called life. If we all believe in the TLoA then why the rebuttals, obviously “The Secret” worked for the people who made the movie, evident by the fact that we have all watched it. The movie doesn’t state that thinking different changes things, it states that thinking, feeling and acting different changes things. This is called setting goals. Simply thinking different only offers wishing, but if your thinking is motivated by determination that is what brings about change. Those who are successful applied TLoA not by saying I know a secret, but by living TLoA subconciously. In the movie “The Secret” they constantly made reference to lining yourself up with your desire and doing what leads to your desire. You don’t need a PhD or anything else to realise that you are the secret. You hold the key to your success. If things fall in place for you it is because you have aligned yourself on that path. I think the movie was excellent and it went alot deeper than the critics would like to give credit. I believe 100% in TLoA and to those who don’t understand it and don’t know of it, it is a secret, better yet it is a mystery.
Jeanette Said,

July 26, 2007 @ 9:05 pm

Well. You should read up more on the REAL FACTS of TLoA and then critizise the movie. You say you “believe” in it, do you then mean in the same way as you “believe” there is a computer screen right in front of you? Don’t you just “know” that? Because it is just as real as any facts. Personally, I don’t like the movie because it gives a new-agie feel. However, they don’t say anything that is fake. They explain things a bit too simplistic, but this to introduce people to TLoA that have never studied or heard of it before. Yes, it could scare some people away, but I do believe they managed to get a lot of people interested. You say that you have studied quantum physics, but you still don’t seem that convinced that everything is in fact energy and that there is scientific evidence that supports what they are saying; e v e r y t h i n g is energy and energy can move from point A to point B without passing space in between, (the butterfly effect), and if you’re dna is taken out of you and put in a different room than you’re in the energy in the dna in the other room will react the same way as the dna in you. So, what do you really base the “your thoughts only affect what’s inside of you”-part on? About the secret part, if I don’t know something I could consider it a secret, but that could also depend on my definition of ’secret’. You should really read A Happy Pocket Full of Money. Or maybe some research.
Hashiru Said,

July 31, 2007 @ 7:46 pm

Heyhey,

I really like to think “the secret” is real (which might be even true). But even when you could reach anything you want, if you have it, you will always want more. If you wish for money, you will get it eventually, but after you have the money, you realize you want love. After you got love you realize you want, well whatever, just make something of it world peace for example.
I think its more important to learn what is important to you before you wish for something.

“be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all”

Imagine you wish for a huge amount of money, then your child gets kidnapped, because you are rich. You will get freeloaders as friends and might lose your real friends.
Making a wish is like a sheet of paper, it ALWAYS has 2 sides.
Imagine you have everything you wished (and worked) for, then what?
And on the other hand, isn’t wishing all the time rather selfish? Is the law of attraction meant to use for ourselves or to help others with? maybe both?
I read all the time how to use it, how to gain profit from it, but can I use it to help another?
If you can not use it to help another the whole “universe” story is most likely crap and then it is indeed positive thinking etc.
How many people wish for others to be safe, and still something happens to them?
Sorry i ask a lot of questions i don’t have an answer to. I’d like to hear someone else his opinion on these questions though.

My opinion is that TLoA is a mindset and can be used to help another, but like everything you have to work for it. It’s not a matter bout right thinking and recieving, but you have to actually work for it. It’s positive thinking, and if you think positive/negative you can bring that to someone else. Take and asshole for example, i’m sure you know one. Is he an asshole and because of that he thinks in a negative way? or is it the other way around?
I don’t think an answer can ever be given to this, but if you understand the question you don’t need an answer to change yourself or another.

thnx for reading this =]
Jonathan Evatt Said,

August 3, 2007 @ 12:55 am

Wow. There is some great discussion going on here.

Personally, I think the approach the movie took is indicative of where a large percentage of people are at, with regards to where they focus their energy in life. The movie was, in my experience, predominately focused on the material, the superficial. There is nothing wrong with that. It is what it is.

To me the question is not “is the theory called ‘the law of attraction’ real or accurate,” but rather how is this law working through me right now. Apart from early childhood when my attention was on much simpler things, I’ve lived my whole life with an awar

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