The Secret - Exposing The Truth and How it was Conceived
I was apprehensive about writing this post because I know that many of my readers buy into “The Secret” (a movie based in the law of attraction, featuring interviews and dramatizations). It is not my hope to upset you, but to wake you up. Even if you don’t agree with me, please read this with an open mind - afterwards, we can politely disagree!
Bobby Revell
A Look Behind the Marketing Cult
“The Secret” is basically the concept of Australian television author and producer, Rhonda Byrne, who claims she miraculously uncovered this ’secret’ from reading “The Science of Getting Rich“, written in 1910 by Wallace D. Wattles.
She studied religions, cult leaders, televangelists, military leaders, philosophies and money making techniques used throughout history looking for a common thread - something that made them popular and effective. She also studied the ways powerful self-help, and positive attitude speakers fired up crowds and incited motivation.
This culminated in one of the biggest money making ideas seen from the self-help gurus; this is exactly my point. I hope you can wrap your brain around what I’m about to tell you.
The Hidden Thread of Mind Control
The most amazing idea in this, is that ‘magic thread’ Rhonda Byrne discovered; it is quite simply a marketing concept based on a little religion, yoga, Zen, quantum mechanics and power speaking. Do you see? The ’secret’ she is selling people, simply describes how she is selling you on it.
She found (she really didn’t find anything, she is using the common techniques of cult leaders) a powerful way to sell you books and videos, and actually named the method she used after the concept she is selling! This is no secret and the truth screams in my face when I think about it! How unbelievably slick!
By psychologically playing into the hearts of millions of people who really need help, she has found a way to present you a cure, tapping into the psyche of desire that preys on your need for positivity and hunger for something to believe in.
Most of the people who believe in this pseudoscience, are mostly heartbroken women and men suffering from depression, or people who want an easy, magical money making technique (this is a fact). With Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement, she has sold over 3 million copies of “The Secret” DVD at $34.95 each!
Byrne is also a woman many women can relate to. She suffered depression and financial woes; this is one big reason she is able to sell her ideas. Women see themselves in her and she understands that. She is her own greatest sales tool! Do I hear corporate branding?
The psychological attribute of rationalization is thoroughly addressed in these concepts so that you are trained to believe it and argue for it - as you learn it, much like Adolf Hitler did with his propaganda and Jim Jones with his followers.
By the time you are feverishly enthralled in the program, you have already been trained to find endless reasons to not question it’s intent (the oldest trick in the book).
The real and only ’secret’ is that if you can fool people, and prey on the emotionally distressed - making them feel happiness from the belief itself, you too can make millions the same way.
Here’s a basic idea believers are taught:
“To attract an abundance of dollars, we must remember that we are wealthy in direct proportion to the amount of money that passes through our hands and that it is the movement of money that creates wealth.”
This is basic mind control, psychologically influencing you to rationalize it’s purpose; I learned that in high school.
The Wicked David Schirmer
One of the so-called gurus in the movie is David Schirmer, a multi-millionaire from Australia who is apparently ripping people off and using the secret to do it. Please watch the video below, you will see the truth!
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My Conclusions
Perhaps you are thinking, “I see your point, but it has helped me and I believe it’s good.”
You have fallen into the matrix and swallowed the red pill! Stay in la la land or take the blue pill, and see how far the rabbit hole goes. The truth is, you do not need to purchase books and videos from these people to find happiness and cure an ailing heart or bank account.
You can be happy and make money by working hard and believing in yourself. Learn to be happy and fulfilled without the secret and law of attraction; this is the best advice I can give you.
If you carefully study the philosophies of Hermeticism and Theosophy, take yoga classes and listen to several Zig Ziglar motivational CD’s - perhaps you’ll see exactly how Rhonda Byrne conceived this marketing concept, just like I did.
What is certain is that Byrne believes her own hype and has convinced herself that she is doing something good for humanity, just like Osama bin Laden does. Both of them are obviously much different, but are both wrong; you cannot convince either of that.
It is very similar to the way scientology (sorry, I will not capitalize the S) was designed. Televangelists and cult leaders also use similar methods. Any intelligent writer with an understanding of how these ideas are conceived, can do the same thing. I did as a joke, read “Revelliantology For Newbies“.
I could create such a concept and sell it, but I like to sleep at night and money just isn’t that important to me.
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The Secret is the latest and by far the worst example of a HIGHLY profitable trend where self-help gurus with fabricated new age titles and little relevant education, credentials or legitimate expertise brainwash us into believing that they know what is best for us, our marriages and our families.
Often their only contribution to society is introducing some exotic sounding, new age philosophy. However, they often cleverly form an incestuous group of like-minded experts who cross-promote each other by swearing their success is due to following the beliefs of another member of their cult! All the while, they ply the airwaves jockeying for an ever-larger audience by appearing in the national media to garner third-party endorsements.
The Self-Help Movement has become the Self-Destruct Movement by diminishing or destroying our critical thinking skills to choose and evolve on our own. We have given up the freedom to build healthy lives, marriages and families based on our unique history and life experience. Instead many victims, blinded to the value of their own life experiences, are attracted to the latest secret in self-help, in an attempt to find out what they should think, feel and how they should act… this is the definition of a cult.
The solution is a return to our (common) senses! The best way out of this learned self-helplessness is to go cold turkey. Stop following ALL self-help gurus now. Begin, instead, to reclaim your natural, God-given ability to think for yourself. The common sense that was once readily available to all of us is still there free of charge and waiting to be applied to just about any challenge we might face in life all you have to do is use it.
Please, let’s all work together to stop the flock of “sheepeople” who blindly move from one UNPROVEN concept to the next, looking for the answers to life’s challenges that you already possess and that is the OBVIOUS!
Interesting…..
To change a persons very own beliefs is hard no one person really likes to admit they may be wrong. Peace~~
Judy’s last blog post..The Birthday Bash…..
The truth is the truth Judy, no matter what anyone believes. I wouldn’t say anything about it if they weren’t making money doing it.
I helped myself without any self-help books…I am happy and make money without them. Anytime something like a religion or self-help is about making money, it becomes a disease of the human heart and we should see through it.
Oh Bobby you know exactly how I feel about this. I too suffer and deal with many of the same issues as you health wise. And, it sickens me that so many people are feeding off of so many desperate people.
I couldn’t even watch the entire video. Just think if all of these people truly wanted to help society then they would not be bragging about having four spas, tennis courts, and making millions of dollars.
Rather, in my opinion, they would take their very greedy earnings and actually contribute to society rather than building their mansions on a hill and always chasing the almighty dollar.
Just a thought from a simple minded woman from Oklahoma!!:)
shinade’s last blog post..Someone Truly Inspired Me
Hey Bobby…I watched the movie “The Secret” last year about this time….at first I was very intrigued by it all…..but in time saw the marketing techniques behind it all.
BUT, and I include a major BUT in there; it did lead me to discovering the teachings of Abraham Hicks, which honestly….gave me much more insight into the actual “workings” of the LOA….without all the marketing “gives us you money hype.”
It’s actually some really, really interesting stuff…..some of which I believe might resonate with you…….most of the stuff I have listened to through them is actually some mind twisting, blow you away stuff…not to promote it or anything…but it has helped me a lot in dealing with LIFE
Oh man, I’ve been hooked on this positive thinking stuff since I was 20 years old and heard Anthony Robbins tapes. Basically the secret is a hyped up version of the law of attraction, and the law of attraction is a version of positive thinking.
This stuff has definitely worked for me and I’m no sheep. By using positive thinking techniques I’ve managed to overcome social anxiety disorder without the use of drugs, and now deal with the chronic pain of TMJ and having arthritis in the left half of my face (without the use of drugs). It’s all mind over and matter baby.
My son who has multiple learning disabilities had low self esteem because he felt different from the kids at school. By using the positive thinking techniques I’ve learned over the years I was able to change his whole outlook on life in a single day. Since then he’s made friends and is very confident in himself.
What we think is who we are. Yes the secret is a bit extreme, but the underlying message of what you focus on is what you get is very true. Go check out some of the most depressing blogs and listen to the stories of continued misfortune and ongoing misery. The negativity just goes on and on with no end in sight…
Me, I choose to be happy
Christy’s last blog post..A Review of CarAngel.com
Hi Morgan! I’m very familiar with Abraham Hicks and have read his book. I would recommend you to study Yoga from a real teacher. All the things he talks about, like the vibratory essence of life and harmonic, spiritual tuning are taught in yoga; not only that, but in a much more refined way.
Not a single thing Abraham Hicks says is new, it’s as old as the dawn of human existence! He is simply rehashing age old information with new terminology. However, if it helps you then it cannot be bad - just don’t spend a lot of money on it.
I’ve been practicing Ki breathing and Yoga for over 25 years and learned it all for free from world renowned experts…they taught me out of the kindness of their hearts.
Hi Jackie! I have actually thought of creating my own new age philosophy and making money from it…And then admitting it was a scam, proving it was fake - people would have to believe it because I was it’s creator.
I am afraid to because if I made millions, the money would change me as it does most people and I would forget why I did it - getting caught up in my own hype!
Money is the root of all evil.
Hi Christy! I have like 20 books and have a set of Anthony Robbins tapes from way back when. I’ve been into self help all my life. It has helped me and there’s nothing wrong with most of it.
The thing is, I don’t need to spend money to know how to be happy. I suffered from depression all my life and I deal with it and am doing well. Positive thinking is great and is something which is learned or conditioned into our lives.
I was taught to be negative as a child, and my father told me I was a worthless punk. I have taught myself that I am not worthless and I cured myself (which will be the basis of my new movie “Finding Your Universal Light Ray with Revelliantology” …hahahahaha!
Negativity feeds on itself and like you…I choose to be happy!!!!!!
I do believe that we can heal ourselves. I haven’t had a cold or flu in decades, all without drugs. I believe I will not get sick. When I do feel bad, I believe I will feel healthy and I do! I did it all without “The Secret”.
Let’s become a team of new age, metaphysical televangelists and make billions…then give all the money to starving children and say, “Thanks everyone!”
I saw straight through this and other versions of it (think and grow rich) whenever I have seen them. We have a decorative Chinese script poster on our wall in preparation for Chinese new year that is based on a traditional Buddhist plaque that is over 2000 years old.
It means “think positive to live positive” or words to that effect (my missus said it didn’t translate directly as the symbols are so old but that’s the general gist of it)
secret? pah!
Andy Bailey’s last blog post..Spammers use Top Commentators vulnerability to hijack top list
Exactly Andy! In my opinion, Buddhism holds more answers to “positive thinking” and good intent, etc, than any of these new age fads - and has 1000’s of years, just like you said.
My personal philosophy is deeply rooted in Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, all of which hold many more “secrets” than most humans will ever know. I wonder what Confucius would think of all this?
I hear ya…just wasn’t sure if you knew of it. I know that they are not the first that speak of the things they talk about and actually have explored many of the different authors and such that spring from these beliefs…As for yoga and breathing…I do what I can with what i have learned….in the end all information is valid and allows one to discern his or her own truth that resonates.
It’s the differences that allow us all to find something that works…no one person, place, thing or idea has the exclusive rights to what a truth may be for another!
Mighty Morgan’s last blog post..Merry Go Round
I read a great book once called “lotus on a stream” and it goes into the teachings of Buddha and other ‘leaders’ in a modern way, there’s even mention of the space shuttle and other great geeky things. It was strange reading it because every new thing I found out, it was as if I already knew it.
Same goes for this post and your latest one. You must be in the ‘hot zone’ lately, you’re making too much sense!!
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Ok. Now, I can’t relegate all self help books to the category of assisted self destruction. And where I do agree all of these lovely opinions, that are packaged and wrapped as fail safe solutions to life’s every problem have the tendency to make us dependent on the advice and approval of others, there are those few that are very valuable. What makes them valuable? Well first the person has to recognize what it is they want to change, and be motivated to make that change. Sometimes the change (whatever it is) can be made using simple logic and critical thinking. At other times we are so wrapped up in the problem, finding a way to the solution seems hopeless… like a dog tangled in it’s chain. The more it struggles, the more tangled it gets, but an outside observer can see the way to lead the dog in order to untangle it. Maybe that’s a bad analogy. I don’t know. What I’m trying to say is that some books do contain points or solutions the person might not have otherwise thought of, because the predicament they find themselves in limits their scope of vision so much. But you do have to be careful of all of the nonsensical hype out there. And I do believe a lot of “The Secret” falls into this. “The secret” is really nothing new… you know… “as a man thinketh, so will he be…”, “you reap what you sow”, “what goes around comes around”, just to name a few of those old cliches. As I said, I think “the secret” works only in that it encourages a person to take a more positive focus, and when you focus on more positive things, you begin working towards more positive things. And so achieving those positive things is not so much “the law of attraction” as it is the natural culmination of efforts made, because a positive focus motivated someone to move in a positive direction.
But we do have to be careful and guard our intellect, rather than buy into just anything that looks good. Two things in this world present themselves as “cure alls”, pharmaceuticals and self help books. One lists the serious side affects, but the other does not. Both can be helpful tools, or harmful poisons. The only difference is one poisons the mind instead of the body.
Square1’s last blog post.. What I Might Say
Very true Morgan! As long as we live right, love all people and do what we can to help humanity - we are going good. God bless you
There is such a fine line between someone who knows truth and someone labeled an insane nut job. I want truth to be the hot zone and I dedicate my blog to it.
Many people who read this may not come back, which is one thing I feared. I cannot live in fear, and it’s my hope that people will see the real reason I write this. I think many of these philosophies do help people. When it separates them from their money and is done in such a blatant way, I blow the whistle.
We all need help at times in our lives and I have sought it many times. I suppose any philosophy or thought that nurtures and spreads love is good as long as it is of pure intent.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I am in deep thought and turmoil, writing is my self-help and I share it freely!
Bobby, you never have to be afraid that something you write will scare me off. I’ve read enough of your opinions and insights to realize that your intentions come from a place to promote the good and the just. I agree about the huge marketing schemes of self help books. One of the best self help books I found was a book called “Marriage on The Rock” by Jimmy Evans. He runs a ministry to help promote the repair and reconciliation of marriages, after having struggled through keeping his own marriage together, and building it into a satisfying relationship for both him and his wife. He airs programs on television mostly to offer advice on moving towards a harmonious and Godly marriage, and to “offer” his additional materials. To me something like tis is worth paying for. He is offering insight he and his wife have gleaned from Biblical study, and their experiences, plus it takes time to write and get published. However, at the time I first saw it advertised, our finances were dire (still are but that’s another matter), but I called the ministry and explained the situation. They sent me a copy of the book I was interested in free of charge.
I don’t know of any other self-help mongers that do this. But to me that was the proof of legitimate intention to help, and not just to make money.
I agree with you, that when these self promoting self help fads come about and are marketed for the big bucks, the whistle should be blown. Because essentially what is happening is that people are re-packaging old ideas and presenting them as something new, and the intention is to make money with no real interest in whether or not it’s truly helping someone. I would hate to find out how many people that suffer depression actually suffer break downs or have more serious crashes when these techniques do not always work as promised. In these two ways, the self help industry is very harmful.
Square1’s last blog post.. What I Might Say
Thank you! It’s a great feeling to have you as a reader because I know you actually read and think…I cannot tell you how wonderful it is with words. Since I’ve written more serious articles, I’ve lost traffic and lots of regular readers but that’s how it is.
Generally, bloggers like to read super short, lighthearted articles requiring little if any thought. I believe most probably don’t read the news…except for the comics.
I think that there is a self help hysteria going on; there are so many self help sites, blogs, books and systems it is just ridiculous. It’s a reflection of this me, me, me society. I help myself, I’ll teach you to help yourself…we can all help ourselves and on and on.
As much vanity as there is in the world, I am beginning to despise it in the blogosphere. I went to a cook out with some friends put on by a local church. While there, a homeless man walked up and asked some people standing near the grill…in a very polite manner, if he could please have something small to eat. They looked at him like he was garbage and told him to leave, very rudely.
I got so upset, I had a plate made for myself and got a cup of fruit punch. I walked over and gave it to the man. I sat and chatted with him while he ate. It turned out, he was a lawyer who got hooked on drugs. His wife left, he was disbarred and lost everything.
He said he was trying to get his life together but there aren’t many options and hardly any places that will help. After he left, the people from the church wouldn’t look me in the eye. I told them that they weren’t the “Christians” they professed to be.
All they were worried about was vanity, and that poor man didn’t fit in. I left and will never go back around those people. That is so sad, it really broke my heart. I thought Christians are supposed to “love thy neighbor”. I guess that neighbor needs nice clothes and a new car to be loved.
I couldn’t agree with your post more. I hate how whenever the almighty oprah speaks, all of her mindless drones believe her and buy whatever shes hocking, or any other of those daytime hosts that do the same thing. I do however disagree with one of your replys on how money is the root of all evil. I don’t think money is, but the love of money. I want money and lots of it, but not to show off or to buy things I dont need or will never use. I dont think there is anything wrong with having a ton of money so that you can enjoy life with your famliy and friends, without punching in at some dumb job and giving some corporation a third, or more, of your life. Just a thought.
Romancy Pants’s last blog post..Valentines Day Countdown
Bobby, I couldn’t agree more, and what a terrible experience to have. Similar experiences are parts of the reason I became disenfranchised with Christianity, plus a few other logical points that I questioned over time. Which is not to say the entire religion is bad, because I have met Christians who strive very hard to be the kind and generous people that Jesus taught about.
I too would have given the man my own plate, and probably would have called a few people down in addition.
The blogosphere can be very disheartening… a form of “Me-Media” if you will. But that is why it is important for those who are sincerely trying to contribute something more to stick with it. Blogs like yours, or TIV’s, Smiler’s, and a few others are like refreshing oases of reason amongst all of the egocentricity.
Square1’s last blog post.. What I Might Say
You’re right about money. However, in today’s world, money is worshiped by so many people - it is difficult for me to say anything good about it. Right now, it is the misuse of money that is causing virtually every problem, including the wars America is administering.
We shove our guns in anyone’s face who is not complying.
I’m not really happy with blogging lately, but I’ll get over the feeling. I’m also frustrated because I cannot decide who to vote for! It is so absolutely ridiculous. No matter who I choose, I cannot feel good about it.
I feel like such an outsider in relation to society.
i finally found there are people who are not swayed by the ’secret’ fever. Everyone around me seem to have bought the book. I wonder if they really understand what it is talking about.. Obvioiusly i did not buy the book or the DVD. i don’t think it need one. Like you said, it is not a secret at all.
elaine’s last blog post..Why Do Chronic Diseases Happen To Children?
No it’s not a secret, but if it helps inspire someone - it can’t be that bad.
“You can be happy and make money by working hard and believing in yourself. Learn to be happy and fulfilled without the secret and law of attraction; this is the best advice I can give you.”
I totally agree with you Bobby! I’ve never fall into the matrix (I just hopped into Euroyank blogs), I just do what I believe I can do and be happy making money with it. I’ve read a book (a birthday gift form my friend) by John P Strelecky “The Why Café” . The book is inspiring and he suggests the same thing ,do what makes you happy.
emila yusof’s last blog post..More items in etsy
I haven’t read that book Emila, perhaps I will check it out!
[...] The Secret - Exposing The Truth and How it was Conceived: This is an article I wrote (that’s right, I’m promoting myself) about “The Secret”. Don’t get me wrong, there is some useful information in the movie. It was however, designed to make millions for the author - never forget that. [...]
“If you carefully study the philosophies of Hermeticism and Theosophy, take yoga classes and listen to several Zig Ziglar motivational CDs - perhaps youll see exactly how Rhonda Byrne conceived this marketing concept, just like I did.”
did you buy ‘the secret’ ? and you bought allll the other stuff you mentioned? must have paid something for all that, right?
(not like i care. i’m just spammin yer page)
there could be a marketing ploy behind everything i suppose. but if somebody feels better after watching the secret or through any other method, it cant be all that bad. or maybe that’s just me being immature
ajoonis last blog post..Stop and Stare
Haahahaha…me buy a book? Hahahaha! Of course I didn’t. I know other people who did and let me read theirs. I am a devious person who might have illegal pdf versions of all the books mentioned. I had a job that made me listen to Zig Ziglar and attend several of his seminars - all of which I did not pay for. There is no such thing as “the secret”, not even you being a comment spammer