Debunking the Secret - Why You Don't Need to Waste Your Money

Debunking the Secret - Why You Don't Need to Waste Your Money

February 22, 2007 by
Pam Gaulin  
Pam Gaulin
Pam Gaulin
  • Published Content: 2,130
  • Total Views: 7,208,162
  • Fans: 541
View Profile | Follow | Add to Favorites
Single page
Font Size
Read comments (12)
More topics
The Secret  |  Deepak Chopra  |  Money Making Secrets

Secrets of the Secret Revealed

If you loved The Secret, then you'll hate this article.

The Secret claims to reveal an age-old, and tried and true secret of how to achieve health, wealth, love, happiness, and anything and everything else you might want.

The book and the movie both claim to piece together not just the secret but "The Great Secret" that has been right before our eyes, in our literature books, our religions, our philosophies, and in our past. According to The Secret, the secret itself has beenresponsible for our cultural
 advancements, and was known and practiced by people like Plato, Jesus, Newton, and Einstein an many others.

Oh, and The Secret will "change your life."

The book, the DVD and the online movie all claim that The Secret was purposefully kept a secret. Until now that is.

Secrets of The Secret Revealed

# 1 Secret of The Secret Revealed: You already have this secret power.

The concept that you, as an individual, already have the power within you to create the life you want is really no secret at all. If you believe at all in yourself, your abilities, your skill, you education, or wherever your personal strengths lie, then you know that you can change your life.

Even Glenda the Good Witch told us that in The Wizard of Oz, when she told Dorothy that she always had the power in her to go home.

#2 Secret of The Secret Revealed: The Secret is a mixed up bag of new age pop philosophies.

The Secret draws on such a broad base of philosophies, old and new, that it is no wonder it seems to ring true with people. The same concepts can be found in The Bible, in the works of Deepak Chopra, and many other new age writers and motivational speakers.

#3 Secret of The Secret Revealed: Everyone quoted in The Secret has something to sell, not to teach.

The most revealing aspect of The Secret is that most of the living people quoted all have something to sell. According to the publisher, the book draws on "wisdom from modern-day teachers." These savvy self-promoters are put behind the literal podium as teachers, but many also have products to sell you.

#4 Secret of The Secret Revealed: The Secret is a self-help book.

Page: 1 2 3 Next »
 Print   Save Read comments (12)   Next piece
Related Video
   
RelatedRecommendedFeaturedMore By This Source
'Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise' Reveals Covert Moves of Restaurant Critic
What do secret agents and restaurant critics have in common? Well, with the notable exceptions of James Bond, and John Steed and Emma Peel (the Avengers), they don't want to be recognized.
By Barbara Peterson  |  Published 6/23/2005  |  Read more »
Secret Weapons Over Normandy Video Game Review
Secret Weapons over Normandy is a solid flight action game that should keep fans of the genre addicted for a long time.
By Hykra  |  Published 8/11/2005  |  Read more »
Start a Secret Santa This Year
A Secret Santa gift exchange is great to do with a large family, group of friends or co-workers. It can save you time, money and everyone has fun. Here are some tips to help you set up your Secret Santa this year.
By Abigail Beal  |  Published 10/16/2006  |  Read more »
Holiday Gift Guide for Secret Santa
The holidays are a time of great joy and happiness, and most of all gift-giving. With so many gifts to give, and so many people to give them to, who has time to find that perfect holiday gift for their Secret Santa at work? Don't worry, try these.
By 1 Crazy Camper  |  Published 10/18/2006  |  Read more »
Product Review: Baker's Secret Precisionware Cookie Pans
I put Baker's Secret Precisionware Cookie Pans to the test. I thought I got such a good deal, but.....
By Slate Stone  |  Published 9/21/2006  |  Read more »
*Secret Platinum Invisible Solid - Great Odor and Wetness Protection: Product Review
The Secret Platinum Invisible Solid is a great deodorant for women. It stays clear and doesn't leave embarrassing marks on your clothes. It smells great and keeps you fresh and dry.
By Misty Rodriguez  |  Published 7/12/2006  |  Read more »
Related information
ResourcesTakeawaysDid You Know
 
Comments 1 - 10 of 12 Next >>
Comments
Type in Your Comments Below

Jack Canfield and others who appeared in The Secret DVD now sell products with the tag line: Why The Secret DOESN'T Work. Rhonda Byrne and the Law of Attraction industry are Snake oil salesmen of the 21st century (and the 20th and the 19th).
Add a Comment

Posted on 05/18/2009 at 8:05:14 PM

It's true that "The Secret" is essentially a rehash of existing notions, such as Wallace Wattles's "The Power of Getting Rich" from 1907 and Jung's concept of synchronicity from the 1940s. And yet, without the success of "The Secret," scarcely anyone would ever have heard of these ideas. So, all the silliness and crass materialism aside, the book and DVD are to be welcomed. The underlying premise that you can create your own reality is extremely empowering, and clearly has long been suppressed by religious and government authorities intent on keeping the people under their control in a mentality of scarcity. Yes, "The Secret" can be dangerous when put in the hands of hopelessly stupid people. But the same can be said for champagne, automobiles, knitting needles etc. And if "The Secret" gives lazy people another reason to remain lazy, I don't see how it changes anything for the worse. After spending a lot of time working through these concepts and trying to get them to work for me
Add a Comment

Posted on 05/09/2009 at 12:05:21 PM

I do agree with the statement that "The Secret" is basically something that certain people live already. But even in the DVD itself (which I didn't pay a cent for), they do say that you need to take action in order to make your dreams happen (obviously), and that thinking alone won't do it. However, I will say that in a sense, it's working for me. Awhile back, I thought I had no outlet for my writing, when I found a little site called AC. Since then, I've received offers from magazines, and have had a chance to interview people I admire! Was it a secret? I don't know.
Add a Comment

Posted on 08/19/2008 at 4:08:38 AM

"It might not be the Law of Attraction, but is the law of calories." Loved this sentence! Great article. I have tried the laws of attraction experiment and that was when I found AC and discovered people would actually pay me to write. Does "the secret" deserve all the credit or did I just happen to find AC just as I was trying it out? Don't know but I figure, it couldn't hurt. It would have hurt had I have forked out the cash for the book or the movie!
Add a Comment

Posted on 04/26/2008 at 4:04:38 AM

Excellent article, Pam. There are tons of these self-help books composed of visualization and self-affirmation strategies. "The Secret" is simply a rehashed version of "secrets" revealed before. Only with one hell of a marketing campaign. You want a better, happier, more productive life? Get the hell up off that sofa, put down the book, and make it happen. Inspiration can only go so far... .
Add a Comment

Posted on 03/30/2008 at 12:03:21 PM

I think "the secret" is dangerous for debt-a-holics in search of what they perceive to be an easy quick fix to their problems. Forget paying the bills, just ask the universe to grant you the money and you won't have to worry anymore. maybe I can get the universe to do my laundry, wash the dishes and clean the litter box! Now that's a secret I would pay money for!
Add a Comment

Posted on 10/27/2007 at 11:10:00 AM

One positive thing about the Secret is that it may actually inspire some people to start thinking about their dreams and desires. Just look at the people around you, at work, at schools, grocery stores - how many people are living the lives of quiet desparation, basically living on auto-pilot, no dreams, no passion, angry, frustrated, tired and resigned on life in general. That inspiration alone may well overshadow all the other stuff mentioned in the article.
Add a Comment

Posted on 07/17/2007 at 9:07:00 AM

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses. David - I understand what you are saying about it being a starting point for good.
Add a Comment

Posted on 05/17/2007 at 5:05:00 AM

The Secret was called "garbage" by Deepka Chopra on Real Time. And it is; a very beautiful package full of stuff you can find just about anywhere else. It's no Secret and most of it is in the wrong context anyway.
Add a Comment

Posted on 03/22/2007 at 1:03:00 AM

Thanks for saving me the time of watching 'The Secret'. Great expose. :)
Add a Comment

Posted on 03/09/2007 at 8:03:00 AM

Comments 1 - 10 of 12 Next >>

Have more to say?
Become a Source on AC