The Secret
by Rhonda Byrne
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Book Reviews of The Secret
Book Review: Powerful Thoughts on the Law of Attraction, but Reads Repetatively Compared to the DVD
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is mainly a compendium of teachings given by various people (authors, doctors, teachers) who attribute their success to the "Law of Attraction" and these are edited together in an overall theme that in simple words states: What you think about and feel is ultimately created in your life around you.
Ultimately, books like this will be critiqued as if they are the end-all-be-all answer to our question of life, especially when they gain a lot of popularity. It is easy to look at them that way, and I definitely see the danger and contradictions another reviewer has effectively argued. That argument is valid, and what I would like to add is it should be noted that any theory or opinion like this, since it cannot really be proved or disproved, should be seen as a "shadow" of a much larger answer to our existence. Even the major religions must be both wrong and right on some things, but are shadows of a much larger truth.
I thought this book was ok. - I didn't love it, because of some inconsistencies and contradictions on the beliefs of the presenters themselves, and it was repetitive, but the overall theme is what should be focused on, while picking and choosing some of the details if you wish. At the very least it is uplifting and hopeful. I prefer and have watched the DVD version of this book many times just because it feels good to watch. I bet you will feel the same way despite any belief you may have for or against it.
But, I propose you read this book for what it is - an OPINION or THEORY on how our life may fit in amongst the larger Universe of things. Believe every word, disagree with every word, or take little bits and pieces for your own use, but at the very least please don't allow any teaching like this to be just believed or disagreed without experimenting for yourself if it works or not. Just believing blindly amongst popularity creates nothing more that a fad, and if the information is good information, it will be eventually relegated to the "back of the closet" like fads eventually do, not getting the purpose it deserves. Likewise, if the information is bad information and it is blindly followed, then it succeeded in gaining a potentially harmful life it should not have had. Please make decisions on your own results. I did. I believe much of what is described in this book because I have found it works for me. You should also.
Of course, we or the authors cannot know if everything this book tries to teach is true or not, but we can judge it according to what humans have observed since even ancient times. In keeping with this, it has been observed that virtually every successful (economical, physical, social, emotional, spiritual etc.) person in our recorded history has not discounted the quality of what they think about. Whether it be through positive thoughts only or prayer to gods or God, many can agree that observation has shown they work one way or another, although not all the time, and certainly not magically, but with some type of powerful emotion mixed with action. And most societies, modern or ancient, believe one way or another in results based on the quality of their thoughts (prayer is a thought, right?). In my mind, the theory of the Law of Attraction can be argued to be the same thing as prayer, just named differently and described the way it should be but has been watered down over many years - Positive thoughts mixed with powerful emotion, then action bringing the intended result.
I believe the teachings in this book are basically a new spin on what religions have been teaching for centuries - to pray - although in an updated form without the religion surrounding it. After all, when you pray, such as for a loved one to get better from a sickness, do you just say the words or do you picture that person in your mind clearly, feeling better? Which would be more effective? And does God, god, Allah, the Universe care if I say an "Our Father" or if I just put positive images in my mind that could help others? When I go to sleep at night, I picture my 2 year old son healthy, my wife smiling, and my job still there to support my family. I'll never give up positive thinking mixed with strong emotion and action. That's MY prayer, and the Secret, (Law of Attraction, prayer, positive thinking, whatever you call it) - whether you believe in it or not, it exists in one form or another, one name or another, one way or another.
Book Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the (Secret) Universe
Summary: 2 Stars
I borrowed both the audiobook and film version of The Secret. After watching and listening to The Secret, I have placed a request to the "Genie" of the Universe. Please let me win the Michigan Millionaire's Raffle. I can picture myself with more than enough money and in turn, generously offering more than a tithe to family, friends, and charities. I certainly can visualize a new car, no mortgage, all those student loans repaid, and a closetful of Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Ralph Lauren clothes. As promised, green-causes, charities, and relatives will receive an abundant allocation.
Okay, well if this really happens ('cause God knows I want to believe it will), I will write another review and share with the world that The Secret really works.
Meanwhile, let me offer a few thoughts about The Secret. I believe that positive thinking can buffer life's "slings and arrows." I'm all for programs that encourage positive thinking--not to the point where you deny legitimate feelings of loss and anger, but to the point where you can frame your life experiences in such a way that you can cope with whatever comes your way.
I think that expectations are important. Without becoming delusional and irrational, you can expect things to work out and plan for a successful completion of personal goals. Well and good. The Secret and I are still on the same page.
Okay, here's where I'm turning to a different page. I only have so much control. Susan Jeffers, a self-help guru, helped her readers navigate the "Let go, let God," and "I can only control my reaction" personal philosophy. While I'm loved and valued by a higher power, I can't control many of my own life's circumstances, much less the Universe at large. The Secret reassures you that once you know how to apply (hush) "Le Secret," that the Universe will rearrange itself for you. Your wish is its command. The Aladdin legend is an extension of The Secret, hence the genie reference at the beginning of the review. According to The Secret, you have enormous power not only over your own life, but over the entire known (Stephen Hawking-has-yet-to-map) Universe. This feeling of empowerment beats the victimhood mindset, but this sense of control could be misapplied.
Byrne implies that victims of the Holocaust and natural catastrophes unwittingly played into their own demise. Their worst fears were realized, and this mass expectation (unconscious or conscious) sent out that collective negative energy into the Universe. Byrne directly asserts that you don't have to age or get sick. That's just the wrong energy frequency sent out into the Universe. If someone is sick, well, tell them The Secret and see cancer defied and the hands of time reversed.
Okay, some good and bad points about this book, DVD, promotional materials. Yes, positive thinking helps you cope with whatever curve ball you are thrown. Great (but realistic) expectations can foster self-confidence in a cyclic relationship.
No, I only have so much control. I can choose how I react to whatever curve ball life throws me. I can pray and hope for the best (I'd really like to win the Michigan Millionaire's Raffle; I'd really love World Peace; and I'd love to see an end to hunger, disease, and animosity). I volunteer with community meals, have signed petitions for stem-cell research (a potential goldmine for disease research), I'm voting for the Democratic candidate, and I pray a lot)---those are things that I can do to help the Universe within my limits.
No, the victim shouldn't be blamed because they were tuned in to the wrong frequency. They should be empathized with and taught coping skills. Instead of just thinking "thin" thoughts, people can learn to make healthier food choices and incorporate exercise into their daily routine.
Yes, we can visualize what we want and send out positive energy. We can begin to attract into our life what we want and not what we don't want to a certain extent. The extent of control that The Secret promises is controversial at best, and delusional at worst. But if I win the Millionaire's Raffle, I will happily recant any doubt of The Secret and will "rumor mill" The Secret to all who will listen. I will realize how powerful positive thinking (taken to the upteenth level) can be in our lives.
Book Review: A Very Effective Book for Introducing the Masses to Mind...
Summary: 5 Stars
The Secret has certainly created a stir; and that's one of the main reasons I give this book 5-stars. This isn't my favorite book; but it has engaged many people in the search for something spiritual. Though many people who have read this book are disappointed, my guess is that they were already disappointed and that many things in life disappoint them -- this book simply isn't the cure-all, or magic trick, they were hoping for. The Secret is a book that will make you think about things you never thought of before (unless this isn't new to you); and this book was brilliantly packaged and marketed in such a way as to introduce many people to the power of their own thoughts. There may be better voices; but this is a great song. This is the first book in a long time to come right out and say many of these things without worrying about how politically-correct it was said -- extra credit for boldly delivering a potentially controversial message. There is no doubt in my mind that the concepts in this book are useful; nonetheless, it is up to the reader to continue their own exploration.
The problems with this book seem to be that a very complex set of concepts was explored authoritatively by someone who is not really an expert. These concepts make up a lifetime of study for some people; and cannot be fully taught in such a small volume. The DVD was much more thorough, but was still only a brief introduction to only a handful of the people working in this field -- many of whom are really Entrepreneurs, and not spiritual gurus (though many have put on that mask since The Secret...).
The ideas that people bring bad experiences upon themselves with their thinking is too complex for such simple treatment -- and the people who are up in arms about this are not thinking properly either. The fact is that all is well and balanced; judgments are simply judgments. The world is much bigger than any of us can truly comprehend in a meaningful and useful way. If we are thinking about the problems of others on the other side of the world, we simply aren't using our resources effectively. We can't help those people until we learn how to think better (...not worrying about what we can't change, for instance). We can become the change we seek in the world; but not by worrying and complaining.
The Secret introduces many concepts -- maybe oversimplified -- that we all need to be thinking about. The critics who complain about "WHAT" people are, or might be, "asking for," or using The Secret to get, have missed the point, too. These are still just judgments; and the fact remains that, if The Secret were rubbish, the critics are wasting their time complaining about rubbish -- are these guides you want to follow?
The Secret shouldn't be viewed as one of the more important Spiritual works of our time; but it is undoubtedly a powerful work of consciousness to get the attention of so many people in such a short period of time -- and it should be remembered for the sheer number of people it introduced to the concept of taking more active control of your thought-life. If you didn't like The Secret, look for more practical spiritual works, such as Jeff Maziarek's "Spirituality Simplified," or "Ask and It is Given," by Esther and Jerry Hicks. There are many to choose from these days -- and The Secret is also responsible for inspiring more complete spiritual guides to fill an information gap left by this book. But that isn't a bad thing -- hunger for knowledge is what makes you hunt and consume knowledge.
I think the variety of responses to The Secret is a bit reminiscent of Goldilocks and the Three Bears: There are newcomers to the idea of a mental/spiritual Universe, who tried it and didn't like it because they didn't understand it enough to make it work; and there are "spiritual adepts" who picked the book up and found themselves casting judgments because of what the book wasn't saying, or the "bad" places it might lead readers; and then there are some for whom the book is just right -- those who know enough, but not too much, and those who simply accept it for what it is without judging it for what it is not. The Secret is as good a starting point for the spiritual path as any; but keep walking and keep looking. Your journey has only just begun... There's much more to this story than any one book can give you.
Book Review: A Simpler Laws of Success
Summary: 4 Stars
Almost everything that is written within this book, were written almost a hundred years previously in a book by Napoleon Hill, The Laws of Success. From requesting what you want, believing that you will attain it, and then work to receive it and be willing to accept it when it comes. These were really secrets, but not as some mystical cabal, or some massive cover-up, but rather, the most successful people in the world figured it out for themselves what worked, and did it. Like so many great minds, many probably didn't even realize that they were doing it, it just seemed right. Men and women whose success seemed an extraordinary act of will, could be seen as a following through of The Secret.
I am not a huge follower of the Secret as a rule, I believe that work must go in to attaining what you want. But knowing what you want, what you're willing to do for what you want, you'll change your behaviors, and you'll start achieving what you want. It says that where you are now is not who you are, it's who you were. This, I believe is a brilliant statement. I am a fan of The Chaos Theory, and Newton's Law, that every action has an equal or greater reaction. In this, I believe that every decision we make has repercussions. Now, imagine if you decided not to live in the negative, to focus on the positives, to be grateful for what you have in the world, believe that what you want you can get, to put your focus each morning and each night and every downtime on those goals that you always wanted. Do you want that raise at work? You decide that you're going to go for a raise at work. Well, that decision should cause you to start to work better, maybe even quicker, be more social with your co-workers during break-time, include the boss in discussions, and start to really stand out. That one decision changes the course of your actions, or, what I perceive the law of attraction to be.
W. Clement Stone said that What the Mind of Man Can Concieve He Can Achieve, this I believe to be true, and something we should all remember.
I don't like the negative reviews of this book, because they maintain that life is either completely random which goes against all rationality, or that one does not have control of his or her own life, and if that's the case, then what's the point of living it, simply to play out a scenario. If we have control of our own lives and our own minds then we can guide these things to accomplish what we want. One person commented on the statement that the Universe Will Restructure Itself For You, that they didn't think the universe would care that much about them. What they missed is the statement that we create our own universe, our own realities. If you believe that you're a pathetic loser whose unattractive to the opposite sex, you'll miss the opportunities to get with those people that you really connect with and who really connect with you, because you will not believe it to be possible. Why, because your universe cannot perceive of such things. If you believe that you'll never be successful, then every time you come up for that raise, every time something starts to get good, you'll act to self-destruct. Why, because in your universe, your mind feels its foreign. You create a self-fulfilling prophecy. And really, that's the secret. The law of opposites. If you can destroy yourself through negative thoughts, then you can build yourself with positive thoughts.
Miserable people have miserable friends, happy people have happy friends, drunks have drunks for friends, sober people have sober people for friends, we attract those who are most like us. If you're in a good mood and you're smiling at everyone, you'll get smiles back. If you're in a crappy mood and you're avoiding looking at people, you'll bump into people, you'll get hateful things spat at you, you won't notice that car coming close to that puddle, and everything will seem as if it's going wrong. We create our own universes and our own realities and we bring people whose realities and universes are similar to ours.
This is a good book, not a great book, I would suggest the much better, much larger, much more based in reality book The Laws of Success By Napoleon Hill and if you don't want to read that huge book then the much smaller Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is also available.
Book Review: Very Troubling How People Really Suffered
Summary: 1 Stars
I was shocked to find some people around me after watching or reading the video got in deep trouble with money, personal affairs, or health aspect by not being concerned with the realities of life that I am compelled to write this grave review.
It should be noted that The Secret was based on the ideas written in the early 1900s by Wallace Wattles in his book, The Science of Getting Rich. Of course he did become prosperous, more from his writing than anything else. But his positive thoughts didn't save his life by not being concerned with the realities of life. He lived to be 51 years of age, two years after his death did the book was published. I guess positive thoughts helped his prosperity, but what is wrong with this? He didn't take care of his health. Only positive thoughts cannot do without proper health care.
While having positive thoughts are helpful, and I am not saying it is not. It is the positive goals that we should actually strived and protect that vision. Removing the facets of "we cannot do this", "we should not do this", and finding ways around this is a good idea in any venture of life. As to those I have known suffered deeply and now are hopelessly in debt or deathbed, which didn't happen before The Secret, the idea was that "trouble would never happen" with positive thoughts. The Law of Attraction was religion and suffering now was that he didn't use it hard enough. It's bad to rationalize. A proper thought was what we should do to protect them from not happening instead of allowing it to happen of such misfortune would be a much more proper thoughts. For those who understand the Ancient Eastern Energy Flows and medicine, if we focus on things external to ourself, there is a chance we will get them, but higher spiritual plane is one thing, a reality plane we should take care of it too. If those energies were misdirected toward money and materialism, which is somewhat frowned by Eastern energy medicine, our energy focus is on materialism to be tradeoff with our own health. If our energy focus were on our health and our own spiritual awakening, there is a tradeoff to remove materialism. You simply can't have spiritual awakening in light of a material focus either. Oil and water don't mix.
It is this very concept that there is a possibility that Wallace Wattles forgot about his health in exchange for material wealth, but the realities of life is another dimension we need to take care of too, not just the spiritual plane. Spiritual can't exists on materialism, and health are connected with spiritual integration, but materialism is external to ourself. Realities won't make a best seller book, and I wrote a book on such things but couldn't sell a single copy, and has since been lost.
While the thought "The Secret" is not a secret after all. The ancient masters never really kept this idea a secret, it's the marketing of the book and video that gives us this impression that it is intentionally kept secret. This gives the impression that this book was something of "value", a propaganda ploy sometimes used by huckster. Just read the book The Power of Persuasion.
The people in the video is not without perfection, one Australian in the video that was interviewed is actually in debt from his enormous house he built and is considered by local Australian television media as a scam on his stock advisory business where people put up money for investment ventures and the money was never returned and promises were broken. It should be noted that some people who have written books on how to be rich motivational books became rich from writing those books, not that other areas of his own life anyway. It might be the same with the secret foundation that was set up in Australia, where making video and the books from The Secret made the authors rich, not from their own personal life either, but from selling promises. It's the problem with some MLM, luring sales with being wealthy and forgetting the product, where in reality the ones who actually make the money, and you can check their Income Tax Revenue Service on this for confirmation, it is the owners of MLM that are actually raking the money. Napoleon Hill made money from just this very premise. It is for us to decide whether promises to be rich, or our own actions decide the outcome of our own lives.