Another Secret: Readers Beware!
Several weeks ago my mother called while I was in Barnes & Noble picking up my copy of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne that I had to special order because they had none left on the shelves. Knowing that I don’t have the patience to wait for a book that I need or want right away and very rarely order something that isn’t available in-store, she was curious about the book I was picking up. I gave her a quick spiel then flipped open the book and read her the following description off the cover;
Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it. In this book, you’ll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life – money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You’ll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that’s within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.
“Hmm,” she moaned suspiciously into the phone, and after I plunked down 30 bucks and read a few pages, I knew exactly what she meant; information like what’s contained in this book and claims such as the author and so-called experts make is dangerous.
Case in point:
A little bird who frequents my site informed me that a woman she knows was diagnosed with breast cancer and her doctors advised an immediate mastectomy and chemo treatments. She had recently read The Secret and decided against her doctor’s medical advice, believing that she has the power to cure herself, because the book convinced her that by using the laws of attraction, she could do so. She’s since taped an episode to be aired on Oprah in which she shares her story.
While it is not known how the story will be portrayed, the little bird seems to think this episode is going to be used as an opportunity for the author(s) and filmmakers to cover their asses, should others come forward with similar stories. Undoubtedly some will want to know why the promises of The Secret isn’t working for them!
The world is filled with people who are searching…searching for a secret potion or magical formula that will change their lives and make their living experience better. *Such a thing does not exist. There are no life secrets that can be found on the pages of a book and no secret wisdom given to one in order to share with the world. The Secret has risen in sales ranks because of strategic marketing and promotion and much like glorified evangelists, they are preying on the faithless and vulnerable, making promises they have no business making. They celebrate their publishing phenomenon, which according to their sales stats is exactly what it is, but how far should people be allowed to go in order to make a buck?
Yes, everyone makes their own decision whether or not to read the book and also to believe or not believe the information contained within. But when making such claims as listed above, do the author(s), publishers and filmmakers have a responsibility to the public they market and sell to? Especially when the claims they make can directly affect the lives of their readers in a negative way?
While I am not an Oprah fan and do not watch her show, it will be interesting to see how the program plays out. I’m counting on my little bird to keep me informed!
*I personally have found the Bible to be a very good how-to book, when it comes to making life choices, but again to each his own. For more on The Secret, click here to read my original post.
Nice header ;o)
Absolutely right Jill!
No book can tell you the ’secret’ formula to happiness. Indeed, there is no such ’secret’ (or a ‘formula’ for that matter) in the first place. Life, and its perceptions, are all individual experiences. Talk to victims of genocide, child abuse, rape, terrorism etc and I’m sure the living hell that their lives were made by other people couldn’t have been waded off by any ’secret potion’.
So much of what these books tell you is common sense but the only thing is that people find it difficult to even get off their couches and do the right things they already know about. Stay disciplined, exercise, eat healthy etc-the very basics of a good life. But even these are so difficult for most people to inculcate in their lives and reading such ’secret potion’ books can never compensate for it.
Books of faith, like the Bible (I like the Imitation of Christ by my bedside), of course help you keep things in perspective. So that one does not lose it, so to speak, in the whole rat race. They also give strength in times of trouble. And most of all, they never claim that your life can be made easy!
PS: There was a recent post by you on a disturbing case of three people being convicted of abuse and murder. I think you may have taken it off. It shook me, just like it does every time I read any such thing. At the same time I’m not able to come to terms with the idea of death penalty or that some people could be beyond reform. The life of the victim of course in almost all cases becomes an unalterable reality. But this whole thing confuses me. Can anyone be certified to be beyond redemption? Is putting their lives off an answer?
My first reaction on reading any such disturbing news is usually like most other people- execute the perpetrators, and publicly if it makes it more painful for them. But upon reflection then I wonder if violence to them would correct the violence done by them any better than a shot at trying to reform them. Keep them in prison for their entire life if need be. But switching life off- that feels like a regressive step in time. Also, I don’t think most prisons have any well considered reformative programme. I wouldn’t be surprised if a relatively alright person went in only to come out a hardened criminal, given the brutal and ugly reality of prisons.
I just thought I’ll share some of my confusion with you…
PPS: These words sometimes sound so profound and sometimes equally hollow- Between the stirrup and the ground, he mercy sought and he mercy found.
Re: PS
I did delete the post. I was venting my frustration and anger over a horrible crime against a child and probably said some things I shouldn’t have.
It wasn’t until I was driving to work the next day and heard a local radio station with people calling in telling how they would execute the perpetrators, going so far as to air the execution on pay-per-view and give all the monies to the parents of the victim, that I realized I was lashing out in much the same way.
As much as we want revenge, no good can come of it and they will most certainly pay for their crime on Judgment Day, and that punishment will surely be more horrific than anything mere mortals can fathom.