Law of attraction

Law of Attraction refers to the New Thought philosophy idea that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life. This belief is based on the idea that people and their thoughts are made from "pure energy," and that a process of like energy attracting like energy exists through which a person can improve their health, wealth, and personal relationships.

Overview

The Law of Attraction has its roots in the early 19th century, with the emergence of the New Thought movement. It gained renewed popularity in the early 21st century due to books like "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne, which claims that understanding and utilizing the Law of Attraction can bring about significant changes in a person's life. The concept is often summarized by the phrase "like attracts like," which means that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative results.

Historical Background

The concept of the Law of Attraction has various historical precedents. Figures like Phineas Quimby, a 19th-century philosopher, are often cited as early proponents of similar ideas. Quimby believed that illness was a matter of the mind and that it could be cured through positive thinking. This idea was further developed by other New Thought authors such as William Walker Atkinson, who published a book in the early 20th century entitled "Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World."

Principles

The Law of Attraction is often described as being governed by a few simple principles:

• Like Attracts Like: This principle suggests that similar energies attract. In the context of personal thoughts and emotions, maintaining a positive mindset is believed to attract positive circumstances and vice versa.
• Nature Abhors a Vacuum: This principle posits that removing negative things from your life can make way for positive ones to come in.
• Present is Always Perfect: This principle focuses on finding the good in the current moment and suggests that satisfaction does not come from external circumstances but from a state of internal peace.

Criticism and Controversy

Critics argue that the Law of Attraction oversimplifies the complexities of reality. They claim that it places undue emphasis on individual responsibility for one's circumstances, potentially leading to victim-blaming in situations involving uncontrollable factors such as illness or natural disasters. Additionally, there is a lack of empirical scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of the Law of Attraction, which makes it a subject of skepticism among psychologists and researchers.

Cultural Impact

Despite the criticisms, the Law of Attraction remains popular, particularly in the fields of personal development and spiritual growth. It has been featured in various media and continues to influence books, seminars, and workshops around the world. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the empowering idea that individuals have control over their destiny.

See Also

• New Thought
• Positive thinking
• Self-help
• Mindfulness