What is the Real Secret?

‘The Secret’ is out. Rhonda Byrne’s book has sold two million copies in the United States and is number two on Amazon.com. It is already ninth on Amazon.co.uk.

The book claims that the Law of Attraction is the secret that can change our lives. The blurb claims:

‘Beautiful in its simplicity, and mind-dazzling in its ability to really work, The Secret reveals the mystery of the hidden potential within us all. By unifying leading-edge scientific thought with ancient wisdom and spirituality, the riveting, practical knowledge will lead readers to a greater understanding of how they can be the masters of their own lives.’

So, ‘The Secret’ would seem to suggest, if you want to lose weight, think ‘thin’. If you frequently imagine getting run over by a car, avoid crossing roads.

The book has been endorsed by TV host Oprah Winfrey, who said that she had lived her whole life according to the laws of attraction ‘without even knowing it’.

What are we to make of this phenomenon? Will a sceptical British public go for the concept? And will they be better off if they do?

There is nothing wrong with having a positive outlook on life. For those caught by an addiction, believing that they can change is clearly a good starting point. But it may not be enough.

I cannot help feeling that the success of ‘The Secret’ tells us more about the desperation and lack of satisfaction that so many feel than it does about the validity of the Law of Attraction.

As Phillip Hodson, the writer and therapist told ‘The Times’: ‘The problem is that in Britain we are a secular society and the price of secularism is that we are not able to contemplate disintegration with equanimity. We are now ready to address the question of our alienation but we don’t really want the answers to hurt. This is human and yet to find a real sense of meaning requires us to meet the hidden self of whom we are ashamed, not to perfect our defences or go on repeating worldly mistakes.’

There is another secret. It, too, is derived from ancient wisdom and spirituality. But it is far riskier to apply. It involves seeking that deeper direction for our lives, which comes from within, from the ‘true self’, if you like, or from God. As a Christian, I find the New Testament a good place to start, a book which has outsold ‘The Secret’ many times over. Those of other faiths find their own scriptures equally helpful. But whatever their faith, or lack of it, anyone can try listening to the voice of conscience and make a start at putting their life on track. Most of us, if we are honest, know where we should start.

NOTE: Individuals of many cultures, nationalities, religions, and beliefs are actively involved with Initiatives of Change. These commentaries represent the views of the writer and not necessarily those of Initiatives of Change as a whole.