the secret + the law of attraction

[Henry17]

My view on The Secret is that it is complete BS. That so many people bought it is depressing.

[alifeLesson]

track down the people that bought it and ask how much better things are going for them.

[foal]

There is a certain amount of truth to the "self fulfilling prophecy" concept. Also depression can be self perpetuating.

But yeah this book looks like nonsense.

I'd say it was harmless, but it may work toward furthering the already present "bad things happen to people who deserve them and vice versa" bias, which discourages altruism.

[madnak]

It should also be noted that people suffering from real depression aren't going to be helped much by some placebo [censored]. Thankfully, I'm not severely depressed any more and have no personal experience with the followers of this view, but I can only imagine the kind of harmful crap they spew towards people suffering from real illness. And some people who need treatment may opt for this approach instead.

Quack "cures" of any kind do real damage.

[BigBuffet]

Good points. Also, religions (both mainstream and fringe) attract many people who just need antidepressant medication.