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Law of Attraction - the Root of New Evil? I have been receiving ever more email extolling the superior character of the rich and citing the deficient mindset of the poor. They infer that the law of attraction supports this view. Just as money can be used for good or evil, the law of attraction is being misused to separate rather then unite humanity. I have included a few of the statements that I have recently read that illustrate this point. "The rich must separate themselves from associating with common people to protect their minds from thoughts of poverty and struggle." "If you have prosperity thinking, you will rightly feel nauseated by poverty and struggle." "Do not concern your self with poverty or suffering, you have nothing to do with them." "Since poverty and suffering are a choice, we need not risk contaminating our thoughts by providing charity." "The rich enjoy the finer things in life because they hold ideas, beliefs and mindsets that are different than the diseased mindset held by the common people in society." "Do not read books or papers that give circumstantial accounts of the wretchedness of tenement dwellers or the horrors of child labor. Keep your awareness free of negative images." "The poor waste their money on thrift store trinkets, while the rich wisely invest their money in assets that will increase their wealth." "The poor do not need charity, they need inspiration. If you want to help the poor, demonstrate to them that they can become rich, prove it by getting rich yourself." I have read all of these statements in recent emails, articles or courses. Disappointingly, they were written by some of the more successful internet gurus. And this perversion of the law of attraction is gaining momentum. First let's clear up some misinterpretations. The Law of Attraction is a Universal Law, on par with the Law of Gravity. It does not distinguish between saints and sinners. If you step off a tall building you will fall to the ground. The rate of your descent is determined by your weight not your character. Similarly, the Law of Attraction will be equally effective whether the focus is humanitarian, materialistic, destructive, or neutral. However, the emerging doctrine contends that the wealthy have effectively utilized the Law of Attraction due to their superb character, advanced mental abilities and superior control of their impulses. This is a troubling and faulty observation. Successful implementation of the Law of Attraction does require a burning desire, dedication, disciplined focus and a strong belief in oneself or at least something greater than oneself, but only as it applies to the specific desire. Character and integrity are irrelevant. And equally insignificant is one's lack of control, irresponsible behavior or scattered thinking in other areas of their life. Here are two examples that illustrate this concept. Both individuals had a burning desire, determination, focus, and the belief that they could manifest their dreams. Hitler was very adept at utilizing the law of attraction. He had a vision. He believed he was meant to accomplish it. He devoted all of his attention and focus into achieving it. He acquired wealth, power, and devotion so absolute that he nearly succeeded in exterminating all the individuals he considered inferior. His downfall began when his desire became so obsessive it interfered with his strategic judgment. Many of the trains were needed to transport troops to the fronts to repel Allied attacks. Instead, he diverted them to increase the pace of extermination of the second-rate populace. It ended when his deteriorating health depleted his energy, weakened his focus and eroded his confidence. Joe Kennedy wanted money, power and prestige. He believed he could achieve it. He focused his attention on acquiring this dream every waking moment. He created his financial fortune by underhanded dealings in the stock market before it was regulated. He associated with the elite and backed the winning politicians to acquire a position of power. To remain in good standing with the powerful majority, he encouraged his sons to enlist in a war to which he was opposed. The ultimate prestige, having his son win the Presidency, was his greatest dream. He attracted this desire with the power of his will, determination and a few huge donations to the powerful and persuasive mob. Contrast Hitler and Kennedy with Gandhi and Christ, who were not financially well off by most standards. Which ones had character? I grew up in family that was financially very well off, in a wealthy neighborhood, and socialized with wealthy and influential people. I have also had the opportunity to live with families in the projects. I saw no difference in the character, determination, discipline or mindset between the two groups. Except perhaps, that the poor were more honest about their shortcomings. We all do the best that we can at the time in whatever situation that we find ourselves. Desires can become obsessions and acceptance can turn into apathy. We all experience situations that require us to choose between our priorities, desires and principles. Courage is distributed evenly between the rich and poor. But it takes an exceptional person to have the courage of their convictions when something that they hold dear is at stake. That is a powerful equalizer. The next few paragraphs are devoted to pointing out the shortsightedness of the statements that I quoted at the beginning of this article. If we chose to remain unaware of the plight of our human brethren, atrocities continue unabated. Awareness, attention and compassion are the catalyst to change. If people in the past had ignored suffering, there would still be no child labor laws. Slavery might still exist in this country as it does in other countries today. And women's place would still be barefoot and in the kitchen. The torture at Guantanamo would have gone unnoticed, unchecked, and unchallenged. The horrors Hitler perpetrated on the world went unnoticed for many years because no one cared or believed or wanted to get involved. "It had nothing to do with them." Dictators control the media to maintain secrecy. Without awareness and compassion, they would not face interference from the people. Hence, they can continue the terror, abuse and rape of the country and its people, its poor people. If we cease to be aware, there will be no concern, and no problems for the dictators. They needn't worry about controlling the media if everyone adopts the mindset suggested in the above statements. Abused spouses have only recently seen any hope of improving their situation. Why? Partly because it was kept quiet and few people were aware of the problem. And partly because the prevailing attitude was that the abused either asked for it, deserve it, or had a choice to leave, never mind that they were penniless, unemployed, uneducated, alone except perhaps for their children and afraid. The suggestion that one should withhold charity and instead inspire the poor by amassing personal wealth, leaves me dumbfounded. People who are starving, their farms decimated by drought and their children's bellies swollen from hunger will only be more acutely aware of their lack and failure in the presence of others who are championing their personal success. Further more, it demonstrates a lack of compassion and an ignorance of human biology and psychology. Unless our basic needs are satisfied - food, water, shelter, clothing - we are not likely to concerns ourselves with concepts. What would you do if your only means of providing for your family was destroyed by drought or pestilence, no relief in site, your children starving and shivering with cold, and someone dripping with money approached you and said, don't asks for handouts, think positive, visualize fertile farms and you will be prosperous. I know what I would tell them. I concur that handouts without education is short sighted. And contrary to many people's opinion, most people want to be self sufficient. Handouts tend to be demeaning. However, handouts are easier, a band aid to the larger issues. Actually addressing the underlying problems would require many committed individuals. People with awareness, compassion and a willingness to develop a lasting solution. Although focusing on solutions is always the best approach, sometimes, understanding the cause is essential to craft an effective solution and not a placebo. Unless the causes are resolved and the needs are met, any solution will be short lived. Perhaps there is some truth to the saying "Birds of a feather flock together." However, avoiding all interaction with the poor or struggling for fear of being contaminated by their diseased thinking, suggest a lack of confidence in one's own mental fortitude. Since the wealthy boost of a superior mindset, I would suggest that rather than avoiding interaction with the poor, they might focus their superior mindset on cultivating the belief that they are immuned from being contaminated by the diseased mindset of the common man. With their self proclaimed elite mental faculties, that should be a cake walk. Naturally my personal experience has affected my view. There was a point in my life that I needed a few hand outs to get back on my feet. I also needed some free services and therapy. And my predicament was mostly due to my own misguided perceptions and poor choices. Hardly a situation that would elicit compassion from most individuals. But fortunately, their were some high minded people who helped me just the same. And had I not received this help, support and guidance, I would be in wretched circumstance or perhaps dead. But because there were people who were aware of my plight and they did not shun participating in charitable organizations or consider that my circumstances were none of their concern, I am now living a productive life. I am also helping many others to improve their own lives. And yes, I suggest the principles of the Law of Attraction to some of my clients. However, when I was in dire straights, homeless, hopeless and ill, simply telling me to think positive and believe, would have been meaningless to me, if not laughable. And under those conditions, I would not have had the opportunity to ever even hear about the Law of Attraction . My circumstances today, and the benefits that I can provide for others, are due to the people who believed that I and others like me were there concern. Their assistance enabled me to meet my physical needs. Only then did I have the luxury to discover, appreciate, understand and apply the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction is a Universal Law and thus it is neutral. It works equally well no matter your character, no matter your requests. Just like money, it is neither positive or negative. They both provide the freedom to shape your life as you desire. It works for the person that has self serving or even destructive intentions as well as for those who are pure of heart. Keep in mind that the energy of your intentions and motives are even more powerful than your beliefs. And those energies are equalized by another Universal Law. Perhaps you have heard of it. Cause and Effect, better known as Karma.

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What a fantastic article this is. You have made an excellent point here. This kind of discussion is exactly what is needed in this area. Too often one feels that to contradict the gurus and express doubts about their assertions is to put oneself beyond the pale, as being a person who, by defintion, cannot be "in tune" with the LOA.

You are absolutely right that the Law of Attraction is morally neutral, as indeed is the Law of Karma. You could say that they both work on the principle that you get back what you give out, and the examples you have given bear this out.

It is also true to say that a person's situation is the result of choice, and that goes for both rich and poor. Therefore the way to approach the problem of poverty is by working to help increase the understanding of those who are in poverty, that there is no competition, that abundance is for all.

That is why articles like this one are so essential. Keep it up!

Robert Paterson Sep 6, 2008 05:18

To go a step further, there actually is no "LAW" of attraction. It's not even a theory. At best, it's speculation.

See http://www.alcyone.com/max/physics/laws/

There isn't any "law of karma" either. For such a thing to exist would require that there is some kind of magical storage bank keeping a count of how much "good" and "evil" a person does in their lifetime; and that there is a method of payback implemented. Of which there is no evidence.

If you're mean to people they'll be mean to you. If you're nice to people they'll be nice to you. That's the entirety of it, no mysteries or secrets or magical penalty and reward systems involved.

spamtrap Sep 6, 2008 18:06

CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY

	Hi, Energy and information is never lost. This has nothing to do with magic. Stephen Hawkins at one time proposed that information was lost if consumed by a black hole. He has since proposed that it is not lost even then. And he is a physicist. Physicist have also discovered that their observation of an experiment affects its outcome. And, this is a simplification of the experiment, but two sub atomic particles have been interacting in close proximity, and then are separated by great distances. They reverse the spin on one particle and immediately the other particle reacts, faster than than the speed of light. And things get stranger still when one studies gamma rays, magnatars and other happenings in the cosmos. And back on earth, people are not always nice to you if you are nice to them. If you experience self doubt, insecurities, or need approval, you may be misused. If your intentions are dishonest or you have a hidden agenda, just acting nice may fool the individual, but as Hawkins propose, information and energy are never lost. And action and reaction is, in fact a law of physics. Just a note on Karma. It is not based on judgment or punishment as is often supposed. It's more akin to the theory that a butterfly can flap it's wings in South America and set into motion a stream of events that results in a tornado in Kansas. Our thoughts are energy. That is a proven fact as are our emotions. Our brain runs on chemical and electrical impulses, energy again. And we are the first to claim that our brain contains information. We set things in motion. And action and reaction is how they return. You are right. It's not really magical at all. To Your Authentic Life, Lauren Kennedy

To Lauren,
Your reply here is really clear and simple to understand. You deserve to be commended for your straightforward and common-sense approach to a subject that is too often shrouded in hocus-pocus. Those who deny the existence of the Law of Attraction are attempting to root themselves firmly within the world-view that is a corollary of the classical system of mechanics, based on Euclidean geometry, put forward by Isaac Newton. This system has served us well, but its truth has been shown by Einstein et al to be only a partial one. Even Newton himself would have said that Newtonian mechanics is not in itself reality but is only a MODEL of reality, a way of looking at the world. To attempt to shelter oneself inside this reassuring model is understandable, but limiting. People can believe whatever they want to believe, and one can live one's whole life, say, believing that the Earth is flat. After all, look at it, you can see it's flat, can't you? As long as you do nothing that brings that old model into question, you will never know the difference.

Robert Paterson Sep 7, 2008 07:11

CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY

	Robert, Thank you for your feed back. Some of the concepts are difficult to get one's head around and even more difficult to put into words. Input from others is the only way that I can be relatively certain that I had made it somewhat clearer than mud. I think that people sometimes discount the validity of the Law of Attraction, etc. because of the manner in which it is presented. It is not a 1 + 1 = 2 equation. There are variables for which no one yet has the exact values. Except, perhaps the highly evolved, which seem to be rare indeed on planet Earth. I know that I do not qualify. I still have hope, however. (smile) No one has yet developed a specific formula that will result in an individual having complete control over every circumstance in their lives. Nor is it the intent of these Universal Laws to do so. As a matter of fact, I believe one of the Universal Laws have to do with acceptance and surrender. Used properly, they all encourage increased awareness and the growth of consciousness. Evolution. One can believe that the laws of physics and/or Universal laws are a random occurrence in which evolution, (organized matter), will eventually fall into entropy,(degeneration). The universe exists as a random event from the sea of probabilities. Or, One can believe that a Universal Consciousness set the various laws into motion so energy (which include us) will continue to gravitate to ever increased levels of awareness and expanded consciousness,(evolution). It is a matter of personal choice. In the end, the primary intent of the Law of Attraction and other Universal Laws is not the outward acquisition, whether material, social or mental, but inward expansion through increasing awareness, developing perceptions, (other than our physical five,) and then applying that wisdom in our lives while embracing our physical existence.(as opposed to escaping, avoiding or condemning it.) However, they need not be mutually exclusive. But one can only realize their unique potential, their true purpose and experience personal freedom, by living with present moment awareness and consciously participating in their life, not by living in anticipation of each goal.

What do you mean by "energy is never lost"? How is that relevant to what you're describing? It's an inaccurate statement anyway. Energy dissipates to the point of complete loss for all practical purposes. For example, the energy from a light bulb in your home... the heat dissipates to a point of being undetectable; the light travels at 186,000 miles per second out into the universe... but certainly, an observer on Jupiter would never be able to see that light bulb even with a powerful telescope. After you turn off the light bulb, the energy it's released has dissipated into the universe and is no longer detectable.

The main error I see here is that you are applying the rules of a tangible universe to the intangible (thoughts within your mind.) It's a common "New Age" philosophy yet remains scientifically invalid and unproven.

If you expect to be taken seriously by those of us who do not blindly accept personal anecdote and opinion, you need to provide links to some reputable source of verifiable factual information (not opinion pieces) which support your position.

spamtrap Sep 13, 2008 17:49

CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY

	Hi Sam, In response to your assertion that the statement "energy is never lost" is inaccurate, I have a quote from several scientific books. "Ultimate Visual Dictionary of Science," "Magic Universe"-the Oxford Guide to Modern Science, and "The Universe in a Nutshell" by Stephen Hawking. "Each form of energy can change into other forms.....The total amount of energy never changes: it can only be transferred form on form to another, not created or destroyed. This is known as the Principle of the Conservation of Energy." "Although the total amount of energy in the universe is constant, it can take many interchangeable forms. Two basics form of energy are potential energy and kinetic energy." And if you think the information in my article is "magical", here is a quote describing some amazing properties of particles, which are a form of matter which can become energy. Particles make up the universe and us. "The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Paradox concerns two particles that interact, collide for example and then go off in different directions. The laws of physics govern the interaction of the particles. If you measure the position of one of the Particles, the laws predict the position of the other. But in Quantum mechanics even the particles themselves don't know where they are until their positions are measured. They only have probabilities of being here rather than there, defined by their associated waves. The interaction of the particles entangles their waves in a way that will ensure obedience to the physical laws. Now comes the puzzle. Measure some property, perhaps the positions, first of one particle, and then the other. Nothing is settled until the first measurement defines the position of the first particle. Only then can the second particle know where it must show up. But how does it know where to go? The particles may be far apart by the time the measurements are made. To obtain the correct outcome, with the particles in the relative positions required by the physical laws, it is as if a message must travel faster than light,from one particle to the other. It says "Hi, partner, they've just found me at this map reference, so please make sure you're are that one. Such is the Action at a Distance in quantum mechanics....The quantum tangles between widely separated particles are much, much weirder than a particle seeming to go through two slits at once." I have read many other scientific books on the nature of space/time continuum, how the brain works, how connections are formed in our brains, the significance and timing of those connections. Plus, I have studied different spiritual beliefs and ideas. When you get into quantum physics and astrophysics the tangible and intangible are not as distinct as they appear to a casual observer. The point I am making is this: I do not simply regurgitate the popular rhetoric that I read and put them in my articles. The observations in my articles are based on the scientific facts that I have studied, the spiritual wisdom of the ages and the subsequent realizations that I have as a result. Since even scientific facts are subject to be revised or thrown out completely, there is no reference book that has yet discovered and proven the intricate and infinite interactions between our consciousness, our future and the environment in which we live. The Chaos Theory states that a butterfly flapping its wings in South America can create a storm in New York. But the next time it flaps its wings, something else can occur because of the various elements at work. I welcome difference of opinions. I can always learn from them and I have modified my position at times because of new information or perspectives. But please do not assume that I am making claims that I have not researched, experienced or verified to the extent that is possible. Just because I wasn't successful in explaining the connections that lead to my conclusions in a clear enough manner for you, doesn't mean that they are just ramblings of an over active imagination or repetitions of some popular rhetoric. Just because one cannot see beyond one's five physical senses, does not mean that reality is restricted to that individual's perspective. To Your Authentic Life, Lauren Kennedy

Perhaps you can summarize in a few sentences, what your main point is. As I see it, your main point is to present the theoretical "law of attraction" as something which applies to human thought.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Attraction

Scientists are critical of the lack of falsifiability and testability of these claims. The evidence provided is usually anecdotal and, because of the self-selecting nature of positive reports, as well as the subjective nature of any results, highly susceptible to misinterpretations like confirmation bias and selection bias. References to modern scientific theory are also criticized. While brainwaves do have an electrical signal, quantum physic principles do not act in the way proponents of the Law of Attraction have described them.

As far as energy being lost, what I specifically meant is that you're applying science in an inaccurate manner. The overly broad statement that energy cannot be destroyed ignores dissipation. Like placing a drop of red dye in the Pacific Ocean - the red dye is not destroyed, yet it dissipates to the point of being undetectable.

So perhaps you can clarify a bit and link to some evidence which supports your specific claim.

spamtrap Sep 15, 2008 02:39

CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY

	Hi Sam, What I was referring to when I said that energy is never lost is E=MCsquared. In nuclear fission, two atoms fuse. But the combined atomic mass is less than when they were separate. That extra mass is not lost, but is converted to energy. Energy and matter are the same - you can ask any scientist that. They are just in different forms. Medical experts, like doctors, have done experiments demonstrating that one's emotions and attitude play a huge part in their recovery from illness. That would seem to indicate that our emotions and thoughts do affect our physical well being. I do agree that some articles that I have read drawing conclusions between quantum physics and the law of attraction are inaccurate. However, that does not mean that our thoughts, emotions, focus and awareness do not have an effect on our lives and how we experience our lives. If you are asking me if I have scientific proof. No. But neither is there scientific proof that we have a Soul, that there is a God, how life began or that the higgs particle (necessary to account for the mass and existence of galaxies) exists. The theory of the Big Bang and the speculation that a meteor killed the dinosaurs were scoffed at for decades until certain findings were made. One of the points of my article was that the Law of Attraction has been misrepresented and including some of the connections that were drawn about quantum physics. My last reply to you was pointing out, among other things, that since scientists have begun exploring subatomic particles, they have discovered that things are not what they seem. They cannot measure the position and the velocity of a sub atomic particle, only one or the other. Their calculations are suggesting that there are multiple dimensions. And then there are other things that are hard to even get your mind around. Just because you can't see or measure something doesn't mean that is does not exist. Many birds have been able to detect ultra violet light for ages. But we have only recently, by comparison, been able to detect it when we created machines. Sharks can detect the electric currents emanating from our bodies. If you had told someone a century ago that our bodies had detectable electric currents, they would have called you crazy. The red dye may be undetectable to your eyes, but the atoms that make up the dye are still there in the same quantity. They haven't dissipated in quantity or volume, they have just combined with other atoms resulting in a different appearance with different properties. Perhaps you could explain to me why the ideas of thoughts and emotions having an effect on one's experience is so distasteful to you. Lauren

It is a great article. Do unto others as you would have do unto you. We are all victims of this universe. One can be rich one day and poor the next. There are no absolutes. We have a tendency to be arrogant when we feel we have the power and being rich surely gives you that power. When we are poor we feel and suffer the lack of control. But it takes a real human who can conquer that money is paper and not the soul.

Whitney Studios Sep 28, 2008 01:23

CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY

	Hi Whitney, You are correct. We have all bought into the idea that money equals success. Money may give you the sense of control by not true power. Empowerment comes from within. Focusing on experiencing the journey and being aware of the choices we make along the way is the road to satisfaction. When we gain a sense of empowerment,live with passion for life, and focus on our purpose and reaching our potential, then we experience true Personal Freedom.

What is distasteful to me is when an individual presents an absurd opinion as fact. Such as where your intel states: The Law of Attraction is a Universal Law, on par with the Law of Gravity.

The reason why there is no scientific proof of your "law of attraction" and no scientific proof of God and no scientific proof of a soul is clear: these things simply do not exist.

Your analogies are illogical and ridiculous; your attempts to discuss science are humorous. I suspect you even log on as "Robert Paterson" and reply to yourself.

I also suspect you'll delete this comment. In any case, I refuse to waste any more time with your nutty Ramtha-worshiping Sylvia Browne-loving New Age Magic nonsense.

spamtrap Oct 11, 2008 19:47

CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY

	Hi, I have no reason to delete you comment. It isn't a threat to me. If you find my science discussion humorous, then I suggest you read some more science books and you would see some of the facts I presented, such as the facts about particle physics in them. And I got the information about how particles behave from a book written by Stephen Hawking. It is called, "The Universe in a Nutshell" if you would like to read it and brush up on the latest science facts. I regret that you can not believe anything that you can not see, hear, smell or touch. I guess that means that you put no stock in dogs being able to smell things that you cannot. Or that sharks can detect the electrical signals from any living thing, since that is not something that is in your sensory arsenal. I have no idea who Robert Paterson is. I sometimes talk to myself but I have never found it necessary to log in and reply to myself. Why would anyone do that? What I find distasteful is when human beings can't disagree without be disagreeable. But if you can not imagine the concept of a Soul, then I can understand why my article would be difficult for you to understand. Scientist try to discern the laws and workings of the Universe, and find that it is ever more amazing than they supposed. But most scientists are not atheists. Why is that do you suppose?

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