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I'd disagree. While the story itself was worthwhile, the last thing we need is more "you create your own universe (literally)" posts on HN. If this site becomes

by Psyonic 17y ago

I'd disagree. While the story itself was worthwhile, the last thing we need is more "you create your own universe (literally)" posts on HN. If this site becomes a place where "The Secret" is given any credence, it's going to go downhill in a hurry. For example: "Reiterating: Other people are only projections of your own consciousness. If you are not a friend to everyone then you are not a friend to yourself." This is just plain stupid. I can't say it any plainer. I hate to Godwin this discussion, but Hitler killing millions of Jews was not a projection of myself, and if I was alive during that time-period, I sure as hell wouldn't have been a friend to Hitler. I'm with him that you should look for how you can contribute, rather than take (positive sum game vs. zero sum game), but those lessons can be taught without the "metaphysics" and bullshit. Last Edit: And finally, in case you don't buy into that stuff either, but think it's basically harmless, review the case of the now arrested James Arthur Ray: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20341429,00.html http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20341429,00.html

Psyonic 17y ago
Just now another link was posted that is much more valuable, while basically saying the same thing: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1101201 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1101201 In that video, he clearly expresses the same main idea, directly and without the fluff.
run4yourlives 17y ago
>"Reiterating: Other people are only projections of your own consciousness. If you are not a friend to everyone then you are not a friend to yourself." Well, my approach is that you can benefit of operating in this mode, but I don't take it literally. Agreed that the less "The Secret" bullshit is around the better. It might be my naivety that just assumes a non-literal interpretation of certain passages in the text, but I suppose one should account for a literal interpretation as well. I wouldn't imagine that would be an issue here on HN.
- Psyonic 17y ago
  If by "operating in this mode" you mean having a generally positive attitude and being aware that your perception of reality is subjective, I'm more or less in agreement. That said, I'm willing to bet the author meant those statements literally, as do a surprising number of people. I always wonder why they choose to write anything at all, though, as by their theory they're only telling themselves things they already know. Addition: NiN's song "Only" could be interpreted as subjective reality (though it's almost certainly metaphor), and it explains why they choose to project me (and Hitler) into their world: Yes I am alone but then again I always was As far back as I can tell I think maybe it's because Because you were never really real to begin with I just made you up to hurt myself [x2] I just made you up to hurt myself, yeah And I just made you up to hurt myself And it worked. Yes it did! Taken from: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nineinchnails/only.html http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nineinchnails/only.html

by Psyonic 17y ago

Psyonic 17y ago

Just now another link was posted that is much more valuable, while basically saying the same thing: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1101201 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1101201 In that video, he clearly expresses the same main idea, directly and without the fluff.

run4yourlives 17y ago

>"Reiterating: Other people are only projections of your own consciousness. If you are not a friend to everyone then you are not a friend to yourself." Well, my approach is that you can benefit of operating in this mode, but I don't take it literally. Agreed that the less "The Secret" bullshit is around the better. It might be my naivety that just assumes a non-literal interpretation of certain passages in the text, but I suppose one should account for a literal interpretation as well. I wouldn't imagine that would be an issue here on HN.

Psyonic 17y ago
If by "operating in this mode" you mean having a generally positive attitude and being aware that your perception of reality is subjective, I'm more or less in agreement. That said, I'm willing to bet the author meant those statements literally, as do a surprising number of people. I always wonder why they choose to write anything at all, though, as by their theory they're only telling themselves things they already know. Addition: NiN's song "Only" could be interpreted as subjective reality (though it's almost certainly metaphor), and it explains why they choose to project me (and Hitler) into their world: Yes I am alone but then again I always was As far back as I can tell I think maybe it's because Because you were never really real to begin with I just made you up to hurt myself [x2] I just made you up to hurt myself, yeah And I just made you up to hurt myself And it worked. Yes it did! Taken from: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nineinchnails/only.html http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nineinchnails/only.html