"The Secret"

-by Rhonda Byrne
2006
The secret? Somebody is making boatloads of money. Shhh, don't tell.
No, i do have some nice things to say about "The Secret". I didn't read the book, but i saw half the video, and it's possible they're on to something. That said, the whiff of crass consumerism is pretty inescapable. Plus there seems to be a hole in their premise - their ideas of personal empowerment could only be purely effective in a world where just one person lived. If our thoughts are a part of some greater unseen world-shaping energy, then it is the collective thoughts of humanity (and other life forms) which is the key to greater understanding and empowerment. Individual thoughts are contrary and chaotic...you may wish for that dream house, but factor in the thoughts of any number of individuals who may have an entirely different fate in mind for that house...or a different fate for you.
Now aren't you sorry you've neglected Aunt Gertie these past nine years?