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The Secret

By Rhonda Byrne

(277)

| Others | 9781582701738

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12 Reviews

8 people find this helpful

It is not difficult to understand why this self-help book has become a bestseller of the year.
Quoting the sayings and experiences of historical celebrities and modern-day successful people, the author reveals the Secret of success which has been passed on from generation to generation. Accor ... (continue)

It is not difficult to understand why this self-help book has become a bestseller of the year.
Quoting the sayings and experiences of historical celebrities and modern-day successful people, the author reveals the Secret of success which has been passed on from generation to generation. According to the Secret, the law of attraction enables the human mind to achieve anything. If you want to have something, be it wealth, health, relationship, a job, a house or a car, just ask for it (by thinking about it), feel it (as if you were having it already), and receive it (when it actually materializes). The Universe will give it to you. You don’t have to worry about how it is achieved. Simply picture your heart’s desire in your mind, think positively and remove any negative thoughts. The Universe will deliver what you desire to you because “your wish is my command”. Isn’t that nice?
I can understand why this notion of the law of attraction is so appealing to readers, especially for those having a bad day, feeling depressed, getting defeated or finding things just didn’t turn out as expected. Just think about what you want, sit back and relax, and you will get it. Well, I have heard stories about how the human mind can do wonders and how you can will something into what you want it to be. But you and I know things happen for a reason, and success depends on a lot of factors, including hard work and opportunities. You may not achieve what you desire by working hard alone as sometimes circumstances are out of your control. However, I can’t think of anything other than winning a lottery where you do not need to work on it in order to get it. Telling people that you don’t need to make any effort to get your heart’s desire and just leave it entirely to the Universe is utterly irresponsible.
While this book serves as a boost of confidence and comfort to the needy and people seeking help, its influence on those with a weak or troubled mind is insidious and dangerous. Patients suffering from chronic diseases may decline medical treatment as they believe they will heal naturally. The opportunity to cure, and therefore lives, may be lost. I cannot rule out the possibility that the Secret does work for some people, but I have got an issue with the author preaching that the Secret way to success is THE way to success and there are no alternatives. The fact that in the 21st century, such bigoted and parochial views can still command a huge following is beyond me.
It is no harm treating it as a leisure read, though. After all, the book is beautifully printed. And the law of attraction may work for you. Who knows?

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Tracy W said on Sep 11, 2007 | 1 feedback

1 person find this helpful

I can't even put a rating on this book! On one level, it's completely ridiculous; one of those books that capitalize random Words to make them seem transcendental and mysterous, so full of holes and contradictions it couldn't hold even an ounce of water.
But on another level, it can be really ... (continue)

I can't even put a rating on this book! On one level, it's completely ridiculous; one of those books that capitalize random Words to make them seem transcendental and mysterous, so full of holes and contradictions it couldn't hold even an ounce of water.
But on another level, it can be really insightful and inspiring, and I think the things the book suggests could truly make someone a happier person (eg: "the Truth is this: you deserve all the good things life has to offer")
I probably would have appreciated this book more if I were a goldfish.

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oldladyofchertsey said on Jan 11, 2009 | 1 feedback

1 person find this helpful

Seems like a really hokey way to describe a bunch of odd coincidences... it'd be cool if it worked though :D

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Deanna Kyre said on Mar 22, 2008 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

This is a book about shifting our perspectives and way of thinking and by talking to our subconsciousness/higher being. I understand what the author said about "Your wish is my command" from the Genie. I got what I wished by surprise and I thought my angel heard me. This is the first time I hear abo ... (continue)

This is a book about shifting our perspectives and way of thinking and by talking to our subconsciousness/higher being. I understand what the author said about "Your wish is my command" from the Genie. I got what I wished by surprise and I thought my angel heard me. This is the first time I hear about "there is no time or size for the Universe" and that time does not exist, reminding me of the concept of relativity.
"If you can think about what you want in your mind, and make that your dominant thought, you will bring it into your life." p.9
"The principle which gives the thought the dynamic power to correlate with its object, and therefore to master every adverse human experience, is the law of attraction, which is another name for love. This is an eternal and fundamental principle inherent in all things, in every system of philosophy, in every Religion and in every Science. ..." p.39
"Nothing can come into your experience unless you summon it through persistent thoughts." p.43
"Secret Shifters, such as pleasant memories, nature, or our favorite music, can change your feelings and shift your frequency in an instant." p.43
"The feeling of love is the highest frequency you can emit. The greater the love you feel and emit, the greater the power you are harnessing." p.43
"... You've got to pay attention to what you're attracted to, because as you hold images of what you want, you're going to be attracted to things and they're going to be attracted to you..." p.56
"...everything is happening simultaneously. If you can understand that there is no time, and accept that concept, then you will see that whatever you want in the future already exists..." p.62
"The affirmation is this: 'I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious, and happy.' p.168
"Stop and ask yourself, 'What am I thinking now? What am I feeling now?' The moment you ask you are aware, because you have brought your mind back to the present moment." p.170

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J Lam said on Sep 3, 2011 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

Straight to the point

I shall start with saying that I had seen the dvd as soon as it was out. I had this book since 2008 but I only read it now. For some reason or another I read various other books that talk about the interaction of our thoughts with the universe and the consequent creation of our own reality.
So I rea ... (continue)

I shall start with saying that I had seen the dvd as soon as it was out. I had this book since 2008 but I only read it now. For some reason or another I read various other books that talk about the interaction of our thoughts with the universe and the consequent creation of our own reality.
So I read this book with this kind of background and what I can say about this film and obviously the book (the book is roughly the text of the film) is that it has the merit of rendering a very complicated and not so easily digested notions in a very simple ready to use information.
It has rendered public and world wide phenomena,ideas and teachings which only a certain type or group of people knew about.
It is straight to the point. A very good book to reread when some basic refreshing is needed.
The dvd/book has lighted a bulb and credit should be given to it for doing so, but it is up to us, with that light, to further our spiritual education, by reading the many many books available that go into much more depth.

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Acquafortis said on May 20, 2010 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

Excellent for understanding the Basics of the universal Law of Attraction. Watch the DVD too, as it is even more clearer to understand everything. Yes, unfortunately it does have some 'missing pieces' that will make it difficult for you to fully understand & apply to you Life. HIGHLY SUGGEST? - Re ... (continue)

Excellent for understanding the Basics of the universal Law of Attraction. Watch the DVD too, as it is even more clearer to understand everything. Yes, unfortunately it does have some 'missing pieces' that will make it difficult for you to fully understand & apply to you Life. HIGHLY SUGGEST? - Read the book "The Law of Attraction" by Esther & Jerry Hicks, the 'Original Contributors' & WHAM! it will all make much clearer sense for you & will make a huge difference to your understanding! This universal principle is going on within & around us 24/7, whether we want to know... or not! The Secret - gets us started in seeing things profoundly differently.

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David Tasker said on Feb 1, 2009 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback