The Secret is True (sort of)
Ranked #2,414 in Culture & Society, #53,879 overall
Discuss The Secret - the book & the idea
If you want to achieve something, you had better work for it, visualize success and everything you will need to get where you want to go. This visualization is called 'The Secret'.
But will visualization get you everything you want?
The 'law of attraction' (as the secret is also known) seems to say you CAN.
The Truth in The Secret
Is the secret true?
- It is true that success usually comes to people who know what they want and are willing to do what is necessary to get it
- Gratitude really helps you become a better, happier person.
- It is true that emotion and health are related. If you are depressed, you are also likely to develop physical problems.
- I use visualization myself as a tool to make it very clear to myself what I'm working towards
- If you want to change your life, it will help to visualize the way you want things to be, instead of only focusing on what is wrong now.
- If you want something, do not pass opportunities by. This ought to be obvious, really - but it is part of 'the secret'
- Reminding yourself of what you want, through affirmations and even notes posted around the house is a good way to stay focused.
Lenses on The Secret - and why it is TRUE
The Secret; get the book(s)
What is NOT true in The Secret
- Success comes to people who aren't only determined, but also lucky, talented and hard working. The Secret only addresses determined and hard working.
- Illness may be linked to emotion, but it is going too far to say that therefor those who are ill brought this on themselves. Some illnesses like cancer are actually known to bring depression along with them. In that case it is going to be very hard to 'just think positively'.
- Emotion is linked to the body as much as the body is linked to emotion. An unhealthy body will often bring on negative emotion.
- Blaming the sick, the poor and the needy for their condition is like kicking someone when they are down. Helping them get up is a more appropriate response.
- The Secret often sounds like a ticket towards wealth - but that is bull. We can't all be wealthy - for one thing: there aren't enough resources on this poor earth.
- If you want to change your life, dreaming about how you want things to be isn't going to help. You need to focus on what's wrong now and fix it. Usually it will be ONE STEP AT A TIME.
- Wealth is not the only way to get happy and fulfilled.
Links: why you think the Law of Attraction DOES work
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that explains why you think the Law of Attraction DOES work.
What happened when I followed The Secret's advice for two months. - By Emily Yoffe - Slate Magazine
Decades before the best seller was published, my f more...1 point
To Oprah: the limitations of The Secret
My personal story on how the secret works, yet doe more...1 point
A word of caution about 'Creative Visualization'
A few words about the "secret"1 point
Attract anything
Attract It - See It - Believe It - Achieve It! Follow more...1 point
The Law of Attraction in Action!
I visualize my goals using the power of positive a more...1 point
100 Quotes from "The Secret"
0 points
How To Make A Miracle Happen: How To Make A Miracle Happen
With this blog, I want to share with you the resul more...0 points
Manifestation of intention through visualisation in theosophy
Some of these affirmations are: "I love and a more...0 points
How Oprah used the Law of Attraction
The basic How To Law of Attraction steps are fairl more...0 points
Discover Law of Attraction
The key here is to focus on what you do want and not more...0 points
Lenses on how The Secret is NOT true
Spiritual debate
Links: why you think the Secret does NOT work
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think I'm wrong and the Law of Attraction doesn't work or is harmful.
Oprah's 'Secret' Could Be Your Downfall
"The Secret" is a distraction from real more...1 point
The Secret Considered - some questions
Thinking out load about the law of attraction.1 point
The Secret on Dilbert
Dilbert humor, business absurdity, the meaning of more...0 points
Oprah's ugly secret
By continuing to hawk "The Secret," a mi more...0 points
Skeptico: The Secret
Critical thinking for an irrational world0 points
Skeptic on The Secret
0 points
The Law of Attraction on Youtube
So, is The Secret True?
A spiritual debate
The Secret is True
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right - the secret makes sense
the 360 business coach says:
It is true with a caveat. Having a clear vision is surely the foundation of achieving what you want. The secret says nothing about actually having to get off your butt and take the steps to achieve what you want.
The part about brainwaves is completely bogus. Brainwaves may travel a few inches from the scalp but there is not enough power. Your thoughts clearly dissipate as they convert into energy and travel away from your body.
The proven way to execute the purpose of the secret is to see your vision, then build your plan backwards, step by step, bringing you to the present. For example. I want a beach house. Here are the steps to get it (reverse chronologically):
Enjoy owning a Beach house
Purchase beach house for $1 million
Look for the beach house I want (or location so i can build one)
leave the money in the bank
sell 20,000 units per year for 5 years (20 x 100k = 2 million- 50% for costs)
invoice my client
send out flyers to potential customers
put ads for my product on many web sites
create an ad for print and for my web site
put a payment link on my web site using paypal
set up paypal account
make a web site
plan to sell my product for $20
Identify my product, my product is x
sell something to make 1 million
i want a beach house that cost 1 million dollars within the next 5 years
Please note that the end isn't enjoying the beach house. the real end is affording the upkeep and taxes of the beach house. Don't forget to include this part in the vision!! Most people will lose their houses because of this part of failing to plan!
Posted January 26, 2012
MindPowerProofs says:
I rejected to read the book secret because I thought it was all about being positive. I searched for the scientific researches to find something more clear about the law of attraction. I read too many researches and now I know that it is all in my mind and as long as I can control my mind, I can control my life. First you must believe to see that it works. It is the belief that forces your mind to take action and succeed.
Posted December 13, 2011
newbizmau says:
It is not necessary for even one other person to understand the Laws of the Universe or the processes that we are offering here in order for you to have a wonderful, happy, productive Life Experience - for you are the attractor of your experience. Just you!
Posted November 04, 2010
poddys says:
I think in some ways it does make sense, and you can guide your future this way, but no matter how hard you try, if you are doomed by fate to have bad luck, all the positive thinking in the world isn't going to get you out of a hole.
Posted November 03, 2010
dragonwei says:
I agree with the secret, because it makes the most sense, wat we manifest wat we think...i don't think the law of attraction would change a person's life, but improved, or expanding it...because chaning would be more like thinking toward the negative...we all are energy, and we attract watever we send out to the univers...and of course u dun have to attract money, but attract happiness.... attract the things that makes u happy is more like it =]
Posted February 03, 2010
Thrinsdream says:
Like it or not, you are what you think about and focus on - add emotion to the mix and you have a potent and unstoppable force. It is all about directing that force and living by design and not as most of us do - by default.
There is no right or wrong side to this - the debate is mute as Law of attraction will prove you right regardless of your stand point
Posted January 11, 2010
rydigga says:
The secret is a way of life. It IS life. The wisest, most enlightened souls have known the truth of life. The great sages and adepts have known for centuries what quantum physics is just finding out: the universe is an energy, one large living presense of forms which is vibrating at different frequencies. This causes the illusion of separateness.
I'll agree with Christ, Buddha, and the brilliance of modern day quantum physicists on this one :)
Posted July 16, 2009
YourFreedom says:
I believe in the secret, law of attraction. I know it really works. I also believe in Joel Osteen's book, ?Become a Better You.? These books are so much alike, I try to practice it and now I see a difference in my life.
Posted May 27, 2009
Daniel says:
I think "The Law of Attraction" is a much better version than "The Secret". You become what you think about, even if you are thinking about what you don't want. Stop wasting time worrying about the problem and spend your time on the answer. Don't focus on the debt - focus on making money. It's a subtle shift, but like interest accruing, a small shift in the way you think will have exponential results over time. Stuff happens and will always happen, but it's not the problem, it's how you perceive the problem and react. Thumbs up for Law of Attraction, but thumbs down for the Secret from me.
Posted March 23, 2009
andrasnm says:
The secret "works" as long as it is conforming your karmic destiny. No amount of "visualization" or conjuring will alter your karmic fate! In addition, there is a "reverse blow". It is a concept that says; even when visualization works there WILL BE a negative reaction to that, to balance out the cosmic fabric.
Posted March 21, 2009
BobW says:
You can call it what you want, but thoughts are everything. If you think you can, then you can! Always has and always will. Just look around and see what success looks like.
Posted December 27, 2008
thrivingmom says:
The law of attraction is at work all around us whether you choose to believe in it or not. We've all known about the law of attraction and believed in it, but now that some modern day others have put a term with the theory suddenly people are resistant. Think about the famous sayings "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch" and "lay down with dogs, wake up with fleas." Both of these sayings are about how surrounding yourselves with bad influences will also drag you down.
Posted September 23, 2008
A_Snow-Bey says:
Not only is 'The Secret' true, but it's working right now whether you are directing it or not.
Posted July 17, 2008
CindyJaneStone says:
It's all true, and it works. I am using the techniques outlined in The Secret, and I can see the results in my life.
Posted July 14, 2008
willem van weperen says:
The secret is true. Though it is also common sense. What you focus on is what you will get. Good that the Secret reminds us of that, and when we purposeful bring it into practice, we can benefit even more of this law and become even happier!
Posted May 04, 2008
charkamman says:
not sure yet.. I want it to be true because it give me the power to vreate my own happiness and abundance! In practice though, it is not as easy as it seems... so... hmmmm somewhere in the middle I suppose. Believing in it on the other hand has brought me to unsuspected places in myself. The journey has been worth it!
Posted May 04, 2008
No way, the Secret is not true
thesuccess says:
If The Secret opens someone's eyes to the fact they can achieve more in their life then great. The Secret does not tell them how or what of course
Posted June 27, 2011
glenn says:
i think its great to think positive but not sure on the wealth thing. money makes things easyer but would not make you happy. my friend is following the secret by the book and so far shes lost most of her friends because of the strange way shes acting shes also about to lose her job and never had a relationship. even im finding her hard to cope with and i get on with all types of people. so this makes me wonder if the secret dose not work all the time.
Posted January 01, 2011
Santiago says:
You are you and your circustances.
Posted March 15, 2009
boshemia says:
I believe in positive thinking but the whole sending messages out to the universe and magnetism, not so much. Also it does not believe in Karma, that we pay for our deeds in like kind. What we sow, we always reap and no amount of positive vibration can counteract a life of hurting others.
Posted January 08, 2009
silkop says:
Desire for something to happen is necessary, but not sufficient. Believing otherwise is and always has been called wishful thinking. End of secrets, end of story.
Posted August 17, 2008
Victoria_Neely says:
I like the way you present your arguments. I think there are powerful elements of truth in "The Secret," and it may very well be inspiring people to better their lives. I also think there's some hogwash thrown in for good measure.
Posted April 22, 2008
spirituality says:
Sometimes I feel 'The Secret' is just a way of institutionalizing denial. I mean common: getting rid of debt by not thinking about it?
Posted March 30, 2008
Was This Lens Helpful?
So many ways to show your appreciation! Rank this lens with the little thumb up at the top. Check out the advertiser's, if you are interested in their products. Stumble it. Digg it. Leave a comment. Favorite it. Link to it from your blog...
Thank you!
More spiritual inspiration and debate
Spiritual Quotes and Wisdom Sayings
This lens has reader submitted quotes from various spiritual traditions as well as links to websites and books with wise quotes to uplift your life and...
Christian Spiritual Quotes and Inspirational Sayings
Yours and my favorite quotes from the Christian tradition & links to more Christian and Spiritual quotes. There are quotes praising Jesus, Bible Quotes, but...
The best spiritual books of all time
Gathering all my spiritual book reviews together. Religion and spirituality fascinates me no end. I also love to read books - this lens combines both fascinations....
Short Inspirational Religious quotes and sayings
Inspirational sayings and quotes from various religions: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and more. Help me make this lens even better by submitting your favorites...
Spiritual Quotes on Life
A collection of quotes about the one issue none of us can ignore: life. What is the goal of life? What are we here for? What is the place of love, or inspiration,...
Rumi sayings and quotes
Rumi is best known as a poet to the Western world, but he was also a Sunni Muslim Islamic Jurist, a theologian and sufi mystic. His works were written 13th century...
Best most popular Buddhism Books
These books explain Buddhism for a modern Western audience. They generally focus on the practical aspects of Buddhism: how to live your life well and meditation. When...
Love quotes - spiritual, romantic and religious
On LOVE in all its manifestations: romantic love, spiritual love, love as a source of creativity etc. Love quotes and links to more quotes on love. Love is...
The Ten Commandments : Books for Children
The 10 Commandments were given to Moses by God thousands of years ago, yet these moral and religious principles are relevant for modern life. These...
Mandala Meditation Posters 2011
An art form developed in India and Tibet, mandalas have come to be seen as symbols of inner peace and balance. These mandala posters are sometimes based on traditional...
What's the best religion in the world?
Do you agree? Share your thoughts on this lens about what the best world religion is. I'm sticking to the world religions, for the sake of brevity, but have...
Khalil Gibran Quotes from The Prophet
Famous for 'The Prophet', Khalil Gibran was also a successful immigrant in the US (from Lebanon). This lens will show you his artwork as well as give...
Best Beautiful Islamic Muslim Jewelry in silver and gold
I've organized this religious jewelry by price: the most beautiful and expensive at the top (over $100), the more affordable and cheap rings and pendants to...
Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often - Quotes Gifts
I don't think there is any saying that sums up the ideals of our time better than: "Live Well - Love Much - Laugh Often". But it's not as easy to do as it...
Top Spiritual Blogs
There aren't many spiritual blogs out there that I actually enjoy reading. These are them. See the guestbook for blogs people have submitted. You're free to...
List of Lao Tse quotes from the Tao Te Ching
According to tradition, the Tao Te Ching (or Dao De Djing) was written around the 6th century BC by the sage Laozi (or Lao Tzu, Lao Tse, "Old Master"),...
The Upanishads quotes, sayings and concepts
After the Vedas the Upanishads are the most revered texts in Hinduism. What are the Upanishads? The Upanishads are texts which contain the basis of the later...
The Ultimate Questions - religion and spirituality
These are the ultimate philosophy questions we all ask ourselves about religion and spirituality. Vote, get inspired and share what you think about questions...
Best Dalai Lama Books List
The Dalai Lama is that unique mix of a spiritual teacher and a political leader. Unlike the Pope he is virtually uncontested as a spiritual inspiration. His...
Fairies Posters Fantasy Art
Fairies, pixies, gnomes and elves... They stand for magic, imagination, creativity and mystery. Fairies particularly are popular because they are also thought...
Spiritual Cards - with and without quotes
This is a collection of spiritual cards from various traditions. They inspire, guide and help you interpret your day. I especially love the cards that contain...
Horoscope Jewelry, Astrology Zodiac Jewellery
Based on your astrological sign is personal by definition, this jewelry is said by some people to bring good luck. I've found jewelry for each sign in the ...
Islamic silver rings for Muslim men
Following the example of Prophet Muhammad, Muslim men often wear silver rings. In fact, tradition dictates that they don't wear rings of any other metal. No...
2011 Uplifting Spiritual Quotes Xmas Gift Ideas
Who doesn't love spiritual quotes? These are some ways to turn spiritual inspiration into a great spiritual gift. I think these bracelets, posters, silver hangers,...
Salvador Dali - religiously themed surrealistic art
A madman? A genius? A surrealist painter, but also a realist painter. An atheist, but later converted to Roman Catholicism. Despite the many developments in...
by spirituality
I'm a webmaster and student of religion and spirituality. See my website on religion and spirituality: www.katinkahesselink.net or my spiritual blog: All... more »
Explore related pages
- Spirituality, religious views, religion and spirituality Spirituality, religious views, religion and spirituality
- Alphatudes - the alphabet of gratitude Alphatudes - the alphabet of gratitude
- The Upanishads quotes, sayings and concepts The Upanishads quotes, sayings and concepts
- What is an Ashram? Spiritual Retreat Centres! What is an Ashram? Spiritual Retreat Centres!
- Best Books about karma and reincarnation Best Books about karma and reincarnation
- Spiritual pictures and photos Spiritual pictures and photos
