The secret of The Secret is not a secret

Emily Stimpson, writing for Our Sunday Visitor, tells the simple truth about The Secret, in her piece New Age Philosophy: Best-selling book and DVD make individuals bear the blame for bad things that happen. So easy is exposing the truth about The Secret that a one page article is sufficient for the job. The success of The Secret is proof-positive both of the need, even in our society, for transcendental meaning, and how shallowly we probe for meaning. Lo and behold, here comes a transcendental philosophy that urges us to embrace our gluttonous consumption, that affirms that self-servingly getting what we want is the way to happiness and fulfillment. We must keep in mind our current rate of consumption comes both at the expense of our sisters and brothers, who make up the poor of the planet and who out-number us by billions, and the environment that sustains life.

"Want to learn how to fly?," is the question with which Stimpson begins her piece, "Peter Pan knows the secret. 'You just think lovely, wonderful thoughts and they lift you up in the air,' the perennial man-child advises Wendy in J.M. Barrie's classic play.

"But what if you want a shiny new car, flashy boat or hefty raise? According to author-producer Rhonda Byrne, Peter Pan's secret will help you obtain those goodies as well: Just think lovely, wonderful thoughts, and whatever you desire will come your way." Thinking happy thoughts is also how Harry Potter conjures his patronus, a mystical stag, when faced with the fearsome dementors of Azkaban. Rather than buy into The Secret, I'd rather close my eyes, think a happy thought, shout some pigeon Latin, and wait for my mountain cabin to appear.