In recent decades, the Law of Attraction has become one of the most influential belief systems in wellness, self-help, and multilevel marketing (MLM) circles. Its premise is seductively simple: your thoughts shape your reality. Think positively, and abundance will flow; dwell on negativity, and you’ll attract misfortune.
We have discussed the pitfalls of Law of attraction in a previous episode, you can find here.
🎙️ Another throwback episode is linked below, where I unpack my journey from wellness fanatic within MLM into a high-control religion. Together, we explore the wild “crunchy hippie to alt-right pipeline.” 🌿➡️🛑 social media, influencers, and wellness hype quietly nudge people toward extreme ideas, and in this episode, we break down exactly how. 🎧🔥
This modern doctrine of “mind over matter” is often traced to The Secret (2006) by Rhonda Byrne, but its genealogy is much older. It reaches back to New Thought philosophy of the 19th century, where figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Phineas Quimby, and later Mary Baker Eddy (founder of Christian Science) claimed that divine thought itself was the engine of reality. These Mind Cure and faith healing movements linked spirt and matter together. Disease, poverty, and suffering were seen as products of “wrong or stinking thinking.” Salvation was not just spiritual but cognitive: change your thinking, change your life.
and so again I say: It is shockingly right instead of shockingly wrong of you to be prosperous. Obviously, you cannot be very happy if you are poor and you need not be poor. It is a sin. –Catherine Ponder (The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity)
In fact, it is the search for spiritual healing of the body that led to what is known today as prosperity consciousness or in Christian evangelism, it’s prosperity theology.
That intellectual lineage matters because it shows how the Law of Attraction has always been more than a harmless pep talk. It represents a cosmology of control, one that locates all responsibility (and blame) within the individual mind. As we have discussed many times before, Jonathan Haidt observes in The Righteous Mind, belief systems serve a dual function: they bind communities together and blind them to alternative explanations.
In this sense, the Law of Attraction doesn’t just inspire positive thinking; it narrows. By framing success and failure as purely mental vibrations, it obscures structural realities like economic inequality, physical health and genetic limitations, racism, or corporate exploitation.
And that narrowing is precisely what makes it the perfect handmaiden to MLM culture.
When Positive Thinking Becomes a Business Model
Robert L. FitzPatrick, in False Profits and Ponzinomics, describes MLMs as “endless chain” recruitment schemes. What sustains them isn’t product sales but the constant influx of hopeful recruits. Yet these schemes require something more than numbers: they require belief.
Here, the Law of Attraction becomes the MLM’s best salesman. Distributors are told:
Failure isn’t about the structure of the business; it’s about your mindset.
Doubt is “negative energy” that will block your success.
Quitting is not just a business choice but a moral failing.
In the Amway training program, the “ABCs of Success” are “Attitude, Belief and Commitment.” Attitude was the key which must be guarded. Don’t let anyone steal your attitude. Negative was defined as “whatever influence weakens your belief and commitment in the business” -False Profits
This is where Norman Vincent Peale’s “positive thinking” gospel dovetails with MLM. In his 1948 book Positive Thinking for a Time Like This, Peale popularized the phrase
“Let go and let God. Let Him take over your life and run it. He knows how.”
While originally a call to spiritual surrender, the phrase has since been weaponized in countless contexts from Holiness movements to Alcoholics Anonymous to prosperity preaching. At its worst, it functions as a silencer: don’t question, don’t resist, don’t think critically. Just “let go,” and trust that outcomes (or uplines) will provide.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity has a word for this: prelest. It’s the belief that human beings are so easily deceived that any private sense of spiritual progress — a feeling of clarity, joy, empowerment, even a mystical experience — can’t be trusted on its own. Without humility and the guidance of a spiritual father, you’re told it may just be pride, delusion, or the devil in disguise.
That’s the trap: you can’t trust your own mind, heart, or gut. The only “safe” option is obedience to the system. Which is exactly how MLMs and other high-control groups operate — undermining self-trust to keep you dependent.
Nietzsche would have called this a kind of slave morality, a belief system that encourages resignation to suffering rather than rebellion against unjust structures. The Law of Attraction, framed in this way, doesn’t challenge MLM exploitation; it sanctifies it.
More powerful than any product, charismatic leader, or compensation plan, the MLM mindset materials (the tapes, courses, and “personal development” kits) are the prime tools used to recruit and control distributors. Once you’re in the system, you’re encouraged to buy these materials week after week, keeping you invested emotionally and financially while feeding the company’s bottom line.
I went back through my Facebook to find some goodies for you! 😜This photo says “My energy creates my reality. What I focus on is what I will Manifest.” Here is the original caption so you can hear how brainwashed I was. “💥🙌🏼Belief is a feeling of certainty about something, driven by emotion. Feeling certain means that it feels true to you and therefore it is your reality. 💥🙌🏼 💪🏼 What you focus on you find 💪🏼 👀 You’ve got to believe it, to see it 👀”
Flashback to my first corporate event Aug 2016. My upline purchased my flight basically forcing me to go.
My caption at the time: 🤮
🔥IGNITE YOUR VISION! 🔥 ⚡Attended an event that changed my life. Showed me the massive vision of this company. 🤗Join our passionate, growing team of 18-35-year-olds striving for extraordinary lives and ownership of health, dreams, and contributions. 🤩Returning to this LIFE CHANGING event soon! Nashville, TN—let’s learn, grow, and celebrate!
Sounds inspiring, right? Except what they’re really selling is mandatory product purchases, endless hype, and a community that keeps you chasing the next status milestone. That “massive vision” isn’t about your health or dreams—it’s about the company’s bottom line.
Words like passionate, extraordinary, innovators, ownership are carefully chosen psychological nudges, making you feel like life itself is on the line if you’re not on board. And the countdown to the next “life-changing” event? Keeps you spending, attending, and emotionally hooked.
This is exactly what FitzPatrick calls out in Ponzinomics: the sales rep is the best customer. Only a tiny fraction of participants earn anything; the rest are paying to stay inspired.
More flashback images from my cult days….
The Psychological Toll
When these elements collide the New Thought inheritance of “mind over matter,” Peale’s positive thinking, religious community networks and MLM compensation plans… the result is a high-control environment dressed in empowerment language.
The outcomes are rarely empowering:
Blame and guilt when inevitable losses occur.
Anxiety from the demand to maintain “high vibrations.”
Suppression of doubt, lest skepticism be mistaken for weakness.
Financial harm disguised as personal failure.
In wellness communities, this logic extends beyond money. If essential oils don’t heal your illness, it’s because your mindset was wrong. If the diet doesn’t work, it’s because you didn’t “believe” enough. Structural realities (biology, medicine, inequality) are flattened into personal responsibility.
As Haidt warns, morality (and by extension ideology) can both bind and blind. The Law of Attraction, when paired with MLM, binds participants into a shared culture of hope and positivity while blinding them to exploitation.
Connecting the Dots: Bodybuilding, Metabolism & Team Isagenix
A couple weeks ago on the podcast, I shared about my bodybuilding years and the metabolic fallout I still live with today. I had forgotten how much of that season was actually entangled with my Isagenix obsession. My upline (the couple who enrolled me) were a part of Team Isagenix®, and I craved the validation of being “seen” as a successful athlete inside that community.
The requirements were brutal: placing in the top three of multiple competitions in a short span of time. So, between May 2017 and October 2018, I crammed in four shows in just 18 months. No off-season. No recovery. Just constant prep cycles. My metabolism never had a chance to stabilize, and I pushed myself past healthy limits. I wrecked my body and I’m still paying the price.
This is why I push back so hard when people insist that success is all about having a “positive enough” attitude to manifest it. My mindset was ironclad. What I lacked the conscious awareness that valued human health over recruitment and body image. That drive wasn’t just about stage lights and trophies. It was about proving my worth to an MLM culture that dangled prestige as the price of belonging. Team Isagenix® made the bar steep, and I was determined to clear it, no matter the cost.
And if you need proof of how deep this “mindset over matter” indoctrination goes, look no further than my old upline…now rebranded as a Manifestation Coach. Picture the classic boss-babe felt hat, paired with a website promising “signature mindset tools for rapid results.” According to her, if fear or doubt was “shrinking your dreams,” this was your moment to “flip it.” She name-drops 8-figure companies, influencers, and visionaries (the usual credibility glitter) while selling memberships, live events, and 7-day challenges.
It’s the same pitch recycled: your struggle isn’t systemic, it’s your mindset. If you’re not living your “life you truly love,” it’s because you haven’t invested enough in flipping the script (with her paid framework, of course). The MLM grind culture just got a new coat of “manifesting” paint.
🧠 Isagenix Programs & Their Psychological Impact
Healthy Mind and Body Program: A 60-day “mindset” initiative framed as holistic wellness. In practice, it ties product use to personal development, creating behavioral conditioning and binding members into a sense of shared identity and belonging. 🚩
IsaBody Challenge: A 16-week transformation contest requiring regular Isagenix product purchases. Completion comes with swag and vouchers; finalists are paraded as “success stories,” gamifying loyalty and dangling prestige as bait. The grand prize winner earns $25,000 but most participants earn only deeper entanglement. 🚩
Team Isagenix: Marketed as a prestige group for elite athletes with current national certifications, offering exclusivity and aspirational branding. This elevates certain members as “proof” of the products’ legitimacy, fueling both loyalty and recruitment. 🚩
Product Consumption: Isagenix requires 100 PV every 30 days just to remain “active.” This equates to about $150/month you HAVE to spend. On paper, bonuses and ranks promise unlimited potential. In reality, most associates struggle to recoup even their monthly product costs. Personal development rhetoric and community belonging often eclipse these financial realities, keeping participants cycling through hope, debt, and blame. 🚩
🤮🐦🔥 “Transform Your Life with Isagenix | Empowering Wellness and Wealth” 🐦🔥 🤮
Watch closely, because this is where the magic happens: the company paints a picture of limitless opportunity, but as Robert L. FitzPatrick lays out in Ponzinomics, the secret is that the sales rep is the best customer. That’s right… the real profits aren’t coming from your vague dreams of financial freedom; they’re coming from the people who are already buying the products and trying to climb the ranks.
The numbers don’t lie. According to Isagenix’s own disclosure: the overall average annual income for associates is $892. Among those who actually earned anything, the average jumps to $3,994. Do the math: $892 ÷ $3,994 ≈ 0.223 — meaning only about 22% of associates earn anything at all. The other 78%? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
And before you start fantasizing about that $3,994, remember: that’s before expenses. Let’s run a realistic scenario based on actual product spend:
$150/month on products or promotional materials = $1,800/year → net ≈ $2,194 − $1,800 = $1,194 before other costs.
Factor in travel, events, or socials? That $1,194 could easily drop to near zero…or negative.
The point: the so-called “income potential” evaporates fast when you account for the mandatory spending MLMs require. The only thing truly transformed is the company’s bottom line, not yours.
No wonder the comments are turned off.
Apparently, nobody actually crunches the numbers while the marketing spiel promises energy, strength, and vitality as if a shake could fix financial exploitation, metabolic burnout, and guilt-tripping at the same time.
My story is just one case study of how these tactics play out in real lives: I was recruited through trusted connections, emotionally manipulated with promises of transformation, pressured into relentless product use, and left with financial strain and long-lasting health consequences. That’s the “empowerment” MLMs sell and it’s why scrutiny matters.
Cultural Ecosystems That Enable MLMs
MLMs don’t operate in a vacuum. They flourish where belief structures already normalize submission to authority, truth-claims, and tightly networked communities. Evangelicals and the LDS Church provide striking examples: tight-knit congregations, missionary training in persuasion, and a cultural emphasis on self-reliance and communal obligation create fertile ground for recruitment.
Companies like Nu Skin, Young Living, doTERRA, and Melaleuca have disproportionately strong followings in Utah and among Mormon communities. FitzPatrick notes that MLMs thrive where trust networks and shared values make persuasion easier. The kind of environment where aspirational marketing and “prestige” teams can latch onto pre-existing social structures.
In short, it’s not just the products or the promises of positive thinking; it’s where belief, community, and culture all collide… that allows MLMs to hook people and keep them chasing elusive success.
Beyond Magical Thinking
The critique, then, is not of hope or positivity per se, but of weaponized optimism. When mantras like let go and let God or just thinking positive to manifest it are used to shut down discernment, discourage action, or excuse exploitation, they cease to be spiritual tools and become instruments of control.
Nietzsche challenged us to look beyond systems that sanctify passivity, urging instead a confrontation with reality even when it is brutal. FitzPatrick’s work extends this challenge to the world of commerce: if we truly care about empowerment, we must be willing to see how belief systems can be manipulated for profit.
That’s why MLMs and the Law of Attraction deserve scrutiny. Not because they promise too much, but because they redirect responsibility away from unjust structures and onto the very people they exploit.
Coming Up: A Deeper Dive
Next week on the podcast, I’ll be speaking with Robert L. FitzPatrick, author of False Profits and one of the world’s leading experts on MLMs. With decades of research, FitzPatrick has testified in court cases exposing fraudulent MLM schemes and helped unravel the mechanisms behind these multi-billion-dollar operations. He’s seen firsthand how MLMs manipulate culture, co-opt spirituality, and turn belief itself into a product.
Stay tuned. This is a conversation about more than scams, it’s about the machinery of belief, and how it shapes our lives in ways we rarely see.
Byrne, Rhonda. The Secret. New York: Atria Books, 2006.
Eddy, Mary Baker. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Boston: The Christian Science Publishing Society, 1875.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Edited by Brooks Atkinson. New York: Modern Library, 2000.
FitzPatrick, Robert L. False Profits: Seeking Financial and Spiritual Deliverance in Multi-Level Marketing and Pyramid Schemes. Charlotte, NC: Herald Press, 1997.
FitzPatrick, Robert L. Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing. Charlotte, NC: Skyhorse Publishing, 2020.
Haidt, Jonathan. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. New York: Vintage Books, 2012.
Nietzsche, Friedrich. On the Genealogy of Morals. Edited by Walter Kaufmann. New York: Vintage Books, 1989 (originally published 1887).
Peale, Norman Vincent. Positive Thinking for a Time Like This. New York: Prentice-Hall, 1948.
Quimby, Phineas P. The Quimby Manuscripts. Edited by Horatio W. Dresser. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1921.
Wallace, David Foster. “Consider the Lobster.” In Consider the Lobster and Other Essays. New York: Little, Brown, 2005. (Useful on consumer culture critique, if you want a modern edge.)
At the beginning of my journey into multi-level marketing (MLM), I felt an overwhelming sense of serendipity. Like many others, I was drawn into the promise of freedom, financial independence, and the power of owning my own business. That initial excitement felt so right, I even got a “trust the process” tattoo to anchor myself in the belief that I was on the right path. But the deeper I delved into this world, the more I realized the complexities and underlying control tactics that defined it.
Reflecting on my early days in the MLM space, I can’t help but think of how magical the thinking felt. I truly believed I was guided into the opportunity. But as time went on, the inconsistencies, emotional manipulation, and exploitative nature became impossible to ignore. It’s been a journey of grieving that magical thinking—something I now understand as part of a coercive, controlling system designed to keep me chasing an illusion.
Brandie, my guest on this episode, shares a similar experience. As a mother, writer, speaker, and advocate, she’s been at the forefront of exposing MLMs as commercial cults, wellness scams, and even legalized labor trafficking. She has spoken extensively about how her journey, which started with serendipity, eventually led her to scrutinize MLMs more critically. Her insights reflect the emotional complexity many face when disentangling from these organizations.
Here are some key aspects of our conversation:
The Magical Thinking Trap: Both Brandie and I felt an initial sense of serendipity, which was reinforced by the community and mentors telling us to “trust the process.” This belief system is intentionally nurtured in MLMs to keep participants emotionally invested.
Leveraging Credentials: We discussed how MLMs often leverage the credentials and influence of professionals like doctors, nutritionists, and influencers to give the illusion of legitimacy. Brandie emphasized how this tactic makes MLM pitches more persuasive, especially to vulnerable individuals seeking validation.
The “Mother” Angle: Brandie shared how MLMs often target mothers, using manipulative language that preys on their desire for financial freedom and the ability to work from home while caring for their families. The messaging can be so powerful that mothers internalize guilt and blame when they don’t succeed, despite the system being rigged against them.
Unpaid Labor and Emotional Manipulation: We delved into how MLMs strategically manipulate participants into performing unpaid labor, like attending large-group-awareness trainings or MLM conferences, under the guise that these events will lead to success. This creates a cycle of emotional dependency on the MLM structure.
Coercive Control Beyond the Home: Brandie highlighted the growing movement to criminalize coercive control, not just in domestic environments but also in online groups and commercial cults, including MLMs. Canada’s Bill C-332 and California’s SB 1141 are steps toward addressing this kind of manipulation in non-physical forms.
Misleading Social Media Practices: MLMs are notorious for using social media posts to bait others into joining, often hiding the true nature of the opportunity behind attractive lifestyle imagery and vague promises of success.
Paid Certifications as Funnels: Another tactic we discussed is the use of paid certifications and courses as entry points to recruit others into MLMs or similar for-profit groups, disguising recruitment as personal development.
Power Dynamics and Influence: Brandie warned about individuals in positions of power, like pastors or healthcare professionals, who pitch MLM opportunities using their influence, creating a dangerous overlap between authority and exploitation.
Bait-and-Switch in Non-Profits: Some MLMs use non-profit organizations as fronts to recruit members, exploiting charitable intentions for financial gain.
Brandie’s Substackrecently covered how Canada’s Bill C-332 and California’s SB 1141 aim to combat coercive control. These laws recognize that coercion doesn’t always result in physical harm but can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Extending these protections to online and commercial environments, like MLMs, is a crucial step toward addressing the hidden abuse happening in plain sight.
MLM Compensation Plans
For those unfamiliar with how MLMs work, here’s a breakdown of their typical compensation plans, which all hinge on recruitment:
Binary: You recruit two people, who recruit two more, forming a pyramid. You earn based on the sales and recruits of those beneath you.
Unilevel: You can recruit as many people as possible, with everyone directly under you. You earn a percentage of sales from your downline.
Forced Matrix: There’s a limit to how many people you can recruit directly, so recruits are placed under others in your team, further embedding the hierarchical structure.
Although MLMs claim that participants can make money from sales alone, true financial gain only comes from recruiting others. Companies avoid pyramid scheme accusations by paying bonuses on downline commissions rather than direct recruitment. Still, this setup exploits participants, most of whom will never see a living wage.
MLM Profitability
Studies and reports paint a grim picture for those involved in MLMs:
FTC Report: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 99% of MLM participants end up losing money.
Profit Sources: Success in MLMs often hinges on recruiting new participants rather than selling products to consumers, which creates a structure where the majority are positioned at the bottom, struggling to make a profit.
When it comes to making a profit, the comparison between lottery odds and MLM (multi-level marketing) success rates reveals a stark reality: both paths are fraught with significant financial risk, but MLMs typically offer even lower chances of profitability.
If you’re evaluating an MLM opportunity, watch out for:
Deceptive earnings claims
Manipulative recruitment tactics disguised as “personal development”
High-pressure tactics to attend unpaid events
Cult-like devotion to leadership or the company itself
As Brandie and I peeled back the layers, it became clear that MLMs are not just financial traps—they are systems of coercive control designed to exploit both financially and emotionally. With legal movements like Bill C-332 gaining traction, there’s hope that MLMs and similar organizations will finally face the scrutiny they deserve.
Grieving the magical thinking days has been bittersweet. In some ways, it was easier to believe in the serendipity, but now, stepping into a space of scrutiny offers greater growth and clarity. In that sense, the journey may be more challenging, but it’s also far more rewarding.
How MLMs and high-control religions exploit narratives to control and isolate
As we have discussed in a previous blog post, in both MLM companies and high-control religions, sophisticated methods of narrative control and emotional manipulation are used to maintain adherence and deflect objections. These organizations craft carefully curated stories of success, empowerment, and belonging, reinforcing a strong sense of group identity while discouraging critical thinking. Objections are met with pre-scripted narratives designed to dismiss doubts and isolate dissenters, creating environments where questioning becomes taboo.
By understanding the parallels between these two worlds, we can begin to recognize the underlying tactics used to manipulate emotions and maintain control. Whether it’s an MLM promising financial freedom or a religious group offering spiritual salvation, the emotional hooks are the same: they both rely on your commitment to their carefully constructed reality. Breaking free means reclaiming your own narrative, embracing skepticism, and fostering critical thought in the face of pressure to conform.
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Here are some of the best resources for learning more about commercial cults and anti-MLM movements:
Books:
Ponzinomics: The Untold Story of Multi-Level Marketing by Robert L. FitzPatrick – This book provides a thorough exploration of MLMs and their business structures, helping readers understand how they operate like legal pyramid schemes.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell – Analyzes how cults (including MLMs) use language and manipulation techniques to maintain control over their members.
Duped: Compulsive Consumers and the Culture of Shame by Ron Jonson – While not MLM-specific, this book delves into how we’re manipulated by industries that exploit our insecurities.
Websites & Blogs:
Truth In Advertising (TINA.org) – A watchdog organization that exposes deceptive marketing practices, including MLM earnings claims and false advertising.
MLMTruth.org – A resource dedicated to educating the public on the dangers and tactics of MLMs, providing reports and analysis on popular companies.
The Anti-MLM Coalition – This coalition provides insight, resources, and stories from those who’ve escaped MLMs, along with analysis of companies and their harmful practices.
YouTube Channels:
The Anti-MLM Coalition – A YouTube channel that breaks down how MLMs operate, featuring stories from former MLM participants and experts in cult dynamics.
Savannah Marie – A former MLM participant who creates in-depth critiques and investigative videos on popular MLM schemes.
The Recovering Hunbot – Focuses on exposing the emotional manipulation and false promises made by MLM companies.
Hannah Alonzo-Hosts commentary-style videos relating to multi-level marketing companies, scams, cults, and influencer/social media culture.
Podcasts:
The Dream – A highly-rated podcast that dives deep into the world of MLMs, offering an in-depth investigation into the industry’s history and practices.
Life After MLM – Hosted by Roberta Blevins, this podcast features interviews with former MLM participants, exploring the mental and financial impacts of MLMs.
Opportunity Cost-Hosted by a past guest, Jill, and is about multi-level marketing, each episode she covers inner workings, origins, nuances, and tries to answer the question: Is this the opportunity of a lifetime? Or the illusion of one?
Conferences & Activist Groups:
The Anti-MLM Conference – A yearly event that gathers MLM critics, industry experts, and scholars to discuss deceptive practices in MLMs and their broader social impacts.
Multi-Level Marketing Conference (MLM Conference) – A scholarly conference that brings together academics, legal experts, and former MLM participants to discuss MLMs from a critical perspective.
Pyramid Scheme Alert – Run by Robert FitzPatrick, a pioneer in anti-MLM activism, this organization focuses on educating the public about the dangers of pyramid schemes and MLMs.
These resources provide a wide range of perspectives on commercial cults and MLMs, making them essential for those looking to understand and dismantle the harmful structures behind these organizations.
Ever wondered where all those ‘self-help’ mantras and pseudoscientific health claims originated?
Today, we’re diving into the tangled web of modern pseudoscience and self-help nonsense, tracing its roots back to the 18th century. Join us as we explore the historical figures and movements that laid the groundwork for today’s self-help industry and pseudoscientific practices.
The Age of Enlightenment and the Dawn of Pseudoscience
Mesmer claimed that an invisible magnetic fluid flowed through all living things and that he could manipulate this fluid to heal people. His methods, often referred to as ‘mesmerism,’ involved elaborate rituals where he would pass his hands over patients or use magnetic rods, supposedly restoring the natural flow of this magnetic energy. The concepts of ‘balancing your energies’ or ‘unblocking your internal flows’ that are familiar in modern self-help and wellness circles can be traced back to Mesmer’s influence.
During the Age of Enlightenment, the scientific revolution was reshaping our understanding of the universe. However, medical practices were still lagging behind, relying on outdated treatments like leeching and bloodletting. Amidst this backdrop of scientific progress and societal change, Franz Mesmer, a charismatic physician from Vienna, introduced his controversial theory of ‘animal magnetism.’
The Debunking of Mesmerism
In 1784, a Royal Commission led by Benjamin Franklin and Antoine Lavoisier was established to investigate Mesmer’s claims. Through a series of experiments, they debunked the existence of the magnetic fluid, revealing that the observed effects were likely due to the power of suggestion and placebo rather than any real magnetic force. This investigation was pioneering in its use of controlled clinical trials and provided early insights into the placebo effect and modern hypnotism.
The Rise of Charismatic Faith Healing
Alexander Dowie emerged in the late 19th century with a different approach to healing. Dowie, a charismatic faith healer, conducted dramatic healing sessions where he would lay hands on the sick, claiming that divine power was responsible for their recovery. His dramatic pronouncements, such as ‘Be healed in the name of the Lord,’ exemplified his method.
However, Dowie’s methods, like those of other high-control groups and charismatic faith healers, often involved emotional manipulation to maintain control over their followers. The promise of miraculous healing or spiritual enlightenment could exploit vulnerable individuals, leading them to invest emotionally and financially in unproven methods.
The Influence of Phineas Quimby
Phineas Quimby, another influential figure of the 19th century, took a different approach. Quimby believed that the mind wielded incredible power over physical health and reality itself. His writings, which were published posthumously in 1921, propagated the notion that our thoughts could profoundly shape our lives. Quimby’s ideas significantly influenced the New Thought movement, which linked mind over matter with spiritual and mystical practices.
The Interplay of Occultism and New Thought
The New Thought movement was also intertwined with occultism and spiritism, which suggested that unseen spiritual forces could be harnessed to influence the material world. This blend of spiritual and pseudoscientific ideas contributed to the development of various modern self-help philosophies.
The Legacy in Modern Self-Help
Today, the legacy of these 19th-century ideas is evident in the booming self-help industry. Many contemporary ‘gurus’ draw on principles derived from Quimby’s teachings, promising that you can manifest your desires through positive thinking alone. However, it’s important to approach these claims with caution, as they can sometimes mask modern forms of manipulation, preying on individuals’ hopes and fears.
Modern Pseudoscience: German New Medicine and Joe Dispenza
Moving forward to more contemporary times, let’s examine some of the modern pseudoscientific claims making waves today.
German New Medicine (GNM): This theory, introduced by Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer, posits that diseases are the result of unresolved psychological conflicts. While intriguing, GNM lacks solid scientific backing and is riddled with ethical and legal issues. Traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, though challenging and not always successful, are grounded in extensive research. The frustration with their limitations often drives people towards alternative options, but not all alternatives are created equal.
Joe Dispenza: Known for his belief that the mind can heal the body, Dispenza’s ideas have gained popularity but often dip into pseudoscience. While there is some truth to the idea that mindset can influence well-being, it’s crucial to distinguish between positive thinking and unproven claims that can mislead vulnerable individuals.
Ancient Teachings and Their Modern Adaptations
The teachings of the Essenes, an ancient Jewish sect, offer another example of how historical ideas are repackaged for modern consumption. The Essenes believed in holistic healing and spirituality, and today, their practices are often marketed with a modern twist. While exploring the ‘lost teachings of the Essenes’ can be fascinating, it’s important to differentiate between genuine historical practices and modern marketing spin.
The Dangers of Mysticism and Extreme Practices
Mysticism sometimes promotes the idea that transcending physical needs through spiritual practices can lead to enlightenment. However, this can be extremely risky. Extreme fasting and other practices can cause nutritional deficiencies, severe malnutrition, and even mental health issues such as delusions and eating disorders.
Navigating the Fine Line Between Healing and Harm
Despite the lack of scientific proof, pseudoscientific ideas remain appealing, especially when traditional treatments fall short. Approach such claims with a critical mind and seek evidence-based practices. Knowledge is power, and staying informed is the best way to navigate health and wellness.
Critical Evaluation of Self-Help Claims
Common Themes:
1. Misuse of Scientific Concepts: All three exploit complex ideas—quantum physics for Dispenza and GNM, and mystical ancient wisdom for the Essenes—to lend credibility to their claims.
2. Lack of Scientific Evidence: None of these approaches are supported by credible scientific research, often relying on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of scientific principles.
3. Potential Harm: By promoting unproven methods as alternatives to evidence-based medical treatments, they can lead individuals to make dangerous health choices.
While some people find inspiration in these teachings, it’s crucial to remember their origins and critically evaluate their claims. Just because something sounds empowering doesn’t mean it’s based on solid evidence.
Stay informed and be cautious of the fine line between genuine self-improvement and pseudoscientific hype. Thank you for reading!
For those wanting to learn about the dangers of mysticism, pseudoscience, and the importance of proper nutrition, here are some solid resources:
Books
“Bad Science” by Ben Goldacre: This book critically examines the misuse of science in various fields, including health and wellness, and debunks common pseudoscientific claims.
“The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark” by Carl Sagan: Sagan’s classic work promotes scientific skepticism and critical thinking, essential for understanding and debunking pseudoscientific beliefs.
“Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine” by Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst: This book provides a thorough analysis of various alternative medicine practices, including the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting them.
Websites and Online Resources
Quackwatch (quackwatch.org): A comprehensive resource for information on health frauds, myths, fads, and fallacies in the medical field.
Science-Based Medicine (sciencebasedmedicine.org): A blog dedicated to evaluating medical treatments and products from a scientific perspective.
Nutritional Resources from Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org): Provides evidence-based information on nutrition, diet, and healthy living.
Academic Journals and Articles
PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov): A free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. It’s an excellent resource for finding peer-reviewed studies on nutrition, health, and pseudoscience.
“Nutrition” Journal (journals.elsevier.com/nutrition): Publishes peer-reviewed research articles on nutrition science.
Educational Videos and Courses
TED Talks on Nutrition and Health: Various experts provide insights into the latest research and practical advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Coursera and edX: These platforms offer courses from universities on nutrition, health sciences, and critical thinking skills.
Podcasts
“Science Vs” by Wendy Zukerman: This podcast looks at what’s fact and what’s not in popular science topics, including health and wellness.
“Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe”: A weekly science podcast discussing critical thinking, science, and pseudoscience.
By exploring these resources, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the risks associated with mysticism and pseudoscientific beliefs, as well as the importance of evidence-based practices in health and nutrition.
Ever wondered how MLMs thrive? Many of them tap into the power of teachings like the law of attraction—convincing you that your thoughts create your reality. It sounds empowering, right? 🤪
But behind the facade lies a darker truth. MLMs manipulate these beliefs to lure in dreamers, promising wealth and success through their products.
So, what’s the scoop? The Law of Attraction says that what you focus on—whether positive vibes or the occasional grumpy thought—can actually manifest in your life. It’s all about tuning into those good vibrations and sending out positive signals to the universe.
The law of attraction is a concept that suggests positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person’s life. It proposes that focusing on positive thoughts and intentions can manifest desired outcomes.
This idea has roots in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including New Thought philosophy and the teachings of figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Walker Atkinson, Frank Mesmer, Alexander Downie, and Phineas Quimby.
New Thought holds that God (Spirit, the Infinite, the Divine, our Higher Power) is everywhere; true human self-hood is divine; divine thought is a force for good; sickness, lack and struggle originate in the mind, and “right thinking” has a healing effect.
In other words, “change your thinking, change your life.”
The law of attraction gained popularity in the early 2000s with books like “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, touting it as a tool for success, wealth, and happiness.
It’s since influenced self-help, motivational speaking, wellness practices (like yoga and meditation), personal development communities, and has a presence in popular culture and social media, where positive thinking is promoted for achieving goals and bettering life.
“Achieve Success with The Law of Attraction“
The law of attraction is used in wellness communities (fitness, MLM, dieting, spiritual) to promise that positive thinking can manifest goals. However, it can also create unrealistic expectations and oversimplify complex realities.
The teachings of the law of attraction, while promoting positive thinking and goal setting, can also have negative impacts and potential risks:
Blame and Guilt: It may lead individuals to blame themselves for negative experiences, assuming they attracted them due to their thoughts or vibrations.
Unrealistic Expectations: The emphasis on positive thinking may create unrealistic expectations about how quickly and easily goals can be achieved, leading to disappointment and discouragement.
Minimization of Systemic Issues: By focusing solely on individual thoughts and actions, it can overlook systemic barriers and societal inequalities that affect outcomes.
Financial Exploitation: In contexts like MLMs and certain self-help programs, the promise of manifesting wealth and success through the law of attraction can be used to exploit financially vulnerable individuals.
Psychological Impact: For some, the pressure to maintain a positive mindset at all times can contribute to anxiety, guilt, and self-blame when facing challenges or negative emotions.
Dismissal of Negative Emotions: It may encourage the suppression or denial of negative emotions, rather than healthy processing and acceptance of them.
Pseudoscience: The teachings of the law of attraction often lack empirical evidence and scientific support, leading to beliefs and practices that may not be grounded in reality.
Cultural Appropriation: In some cases, the adoption of spiritual or cultural elements (such as indigenous practices) within the context of the law of attraction can lead to appropriation and misunderstanding of their original meanings.
As we explore the impact of belief systems like the law of attraction, it’s clear it shares common pitfalls with high control religion and diet culture—promising transformative change through strict adherence while often neglecting systemic issues and fostering unrealistic expectations.
Join me this week on the podcast as we delve deeper into these topics, uncovering how these ideologies influence our lives and well-being.
Let’s navigate these complexities together and empower ourselves with a balanced perspective.
Welcome back to Taste0ftruth Tuesdays, where today’s topic is Mindsets and Movements: Comparing Law of Attraction, High Control Religion, and Diet Culture
Ever wondered how MLMs thrive? Many of them tap into the power of teachings like the law of attraction—convincing you that your thoughts create your reality. It sounds empowering, right? 🤪
But behind the facade lies a darker truth. MLMs manipulate these beliefs to lure in dreamers, promising wealth and success through their products.
So, what’s the scoop? The Law of Attraction says that what you focus on—whether positive vibes or the occasional grumpy thought—can actually manifest in your life. It’s all about tuning into those good vibrations and sending out positive signals to the universe.
Picture this: by visualizing your dreams, practicing gratitude like a pro, and keeping that vibe high, you’re supposedly paving the way for all those good things to come knocking on your door. 🚪
But hold up! It’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Just like dodging fad diets or harmful religious practices, there are pitfalls.
Stay tuned as we uncover the highs, lows, and everything in between of this cosmic mind game. We’ll share some tips on how to keep your mental mojo balanced, whether you’re manifesting your dream job or just trying to stay chill in the chaos.
Let’s walk that fine line between harnessing the power of our minds and falling into the traps of unrealistic expectations and self-blame.
The law of attraction, diet culture, and high-control religions can promote all-or-nothing thinking in several ways:
1. Law of Attraction: This philosophy suggests that positive thoughts bring positive outcomes, and negative thoughts bring negative outcomes. This can lead people to believe that if they’re not constantly thinking positively, they’re attracting negativity into their lives. This binary thinking ignores the complexity of human emotions and experiences.
2. Diet Culture: Many diets promote strict rules about what foods are “good” or “bad,” fostering an all-or-nothing approach to eating. If someone deviates from the diet even slightly, they may feel like they’ve failed completely. This can contribute to unhealthy relationships with food and body image.
3. High-Control Religions (HCR): Some religions enforce rigid rules and beliefs, presenting a stark contrast between righteousness and sin. Followers may feel intense pressure to adhere perfectly to these standards, fearing severe consequences for any perceived transgression.
This black-and-white thinking can create feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy.
In each case, the emphasis on absolutes and extremes discourages nuanced thinking and self-compassion. It can lead individuals to judge themselves harshly for perceived failures and to feel like they must constantly strive for unattainable ideals.
The law of attraction mindset can be damaging to mental health and well-being, I know this from my past experiences prior to being converted into a high control religion. In my journey of deconstruction, I’ve been pondering how belief systems like the law of attraction, high-control religions, and diet culture wield their influence.
Each of these ideologies promises transformative change through strict adherence to their principles, whether it’s manifesting positivity, spiritual purity, or a perfect body.
But here’s the kicker – they all share several common threads 🧵 🪡
1. Belief in Control and Manifestation
2. Promises of Transformation
3. Blaming the Individual for Failure
4. Emphasis on Discipline and Compliance
5. Commercialization and Profit
While their specific goals vary, the law of attraction, high-control religions, and diet culture share fundamental similarities in their mechanisms of belief, control, promise of transformation, and their impact on adherents’ lives
Similarities in Their Harmful Effects:
1. Unrealistic Expectations:
– Law of Attraction: Promises that positive thinking can manifest any desire, leading to unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved without effort or acknowledging external factors.
– Diet Culture: Promotes the idea that a perfect body is achievable through strict adherence to specific diets or exercise regimens, often ignoring genetic, physiological, and lifestyle differences.
– High Control Religion (HCR): Claims of absolute truths and moral perfection can create unattainable standards for behavior and belief, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or failure when individuals fall short.
2. Self-Blame and Guilt:
– Law of Attraction: Encourages individuals to believe that any failure to achieve their desires is due to their own negative thinking, leading to self-blame and guilt.
– Diet Culture: Instills guilt and shame in individuals who cannot maintain the prescribed diet or achieve the desired body image, blaming them for a lack of willpower or discipline.
– HCR: Imposes strict moral codes and doctrines, where deviation is often seen as a personal failure or sin, leading to guilt and self-condemnation.
3. Emotional Manipulation:
– Law of Attraction: Often exploits emotional vulnerability by selling the idea that happiness and success are just a thought away, leading to financial exploitation through self-help products and courses.
– Diet Culture: Uses emotional manipulation to sell products, diets, and fitness programs, preying on insecurities about body image and societal standards of beauty.
– HCR: Can manipulate emotions by promising eternal rewards or threatening eternal punishment, using fear and hope to control behavior and beliefs.
4. Avoidance of Complex Realities:
– Law of Attraction: Simplifies complex life issues by attributing outcomes solely to individual thoughts, ignoring systemic, social, and external factors.
– Diet Culture: Overlooks the complexities of human biology, metabolism, and mental health by promoting one-size-fits-all solutions to weight and health.
– HCR: May offer simple answers to complex existential questions, discouraging critical thinking and exploration of diverse perspectives.
5. Promotion of Perfectionism:
– Law of Attraction: Suggests that perfect thoughts can lead to a perfect life, fostering an unrealistic ideal of constant positivity.
– Diet Culture: Advocates for an ideal body type and perfect eating habits, leading to obsessive behaviors and unhealthy relationships with food and self-image.
– HCR: Can push for moral and spiritual perfection, creating pressure to conform to strict standards and leading to anxiety and fear of judgment.
Mental Health Concerns:
1. Unrealistic Expectations:
Believing that thoughts alone can manifest reality may lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when desired outcomes don’t materialize. This can lead to frustration, self-blame, and decreased self-esteem.
2. Ignoring Reality:
Overemphasis on positive thinking can sometimes lead to denial of real issues or avoidance of necessary actions. Individuals may neglect practical steps and problem-solving strategies, relying solely on mental strategies.
3. Blame and Guilt:
When negative events occur, individuals might blame themselves for having “wrong” or “negative” thoughts. This self-blame can exacerbate feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression.
4. Mental Health Symptoms Exacerbation:
For individuals with certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the pressure to control thoughts can be particularly detrimental. Intrusive thoughts and the fear of their potential impact can intensify symptoms.
5. Isolation:
If individuals feel their spiritual practices are misunderstood or dismissed by others, they may become isolated. Lack of social support can negatively impact mental health.
These ideologies promise transformative change through strict adherence to their principles, often promoting all-or-nothing thinking. But breaking free from this mindset is crucial for fostering balanced perspectives and personal growth.
Here are practical tips to challenge all-or-nothing thinking:
1. Practice Mindfulness: Embrace techniques like meditation to become aware of thoughts without judgment, recognizing when you’re stuck in extremes.
2. Identify Thought Patterns: Notice words like ‘always’ and ‘never,’ replacing them with ‘sometimes’ or ‘progress’ to introduce flexibility.
3. Challenge Assumptions: Explore alternative perspectives and shades of gray instead of thinking in absolutes.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Break down big goals into smaller steps, celebrating progress and effort along the way.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during setbacks, understanding that growth involves learning from mistakes.
6. Seek Different Opinions: Discuss beliefs with trusted others to gain diverse viewpoints and broaden understanding.
7. Use the 10% Rule: Aim for gradual improvement rather than perfection, reducing pressure and promoting sustainable progress.
8. Keep a Thought Journal: Reflect on instances of all-or-nothing thinking to identify triggers and develop alternative interpretations.
9. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge small positives to shift focus away from perfectionism.
10. Educate Yourself: Learn about cognitive distortions to empower yourself in challenging and changing these patterns effectively.
By integrating these practices, we can cultivate resilience and a more balanced approach to life, moving beyond rigid belief systems toward authenticity and personal well-being.
And that’s all I have for you today, folks!
For upcoming episodes, we have Deconstructing Deception: MLMs, Exploitation & Online Influencers with my friend Jill, we dive into the murky waters of high control groups like MLMs, conspiracies and evangelicalism. We discuss about how exploitation is huge in these environments. And I share a bit more about my journey from MLM entanglement to pandemic conspiracies and high-control religion.
Next month: Equality in Focus: Reproductive Rights, Gender Norms, and Political Reform with my friend Emma and a lot more exciting interviews coming for you!
Until then, maintain your curiosity, embrace skepticism, and keep tuning in! 🎙️🔒
To deepen your understanding of the potential pitfalls of spiritual practices like the law of attraction, diet culture, and religious absolutism, as well as to develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence, consider exploring these high-quality resources across various formats:
Books:
“Bright-Sided: How Positive Thinking Is Undermining America” by Barbara Ehrenreich** – This book critiques the overemphasis on positive thinking and its societal impacts.
“Dietland” by Sarai Walker** – A fictional yet poignant critique of diet culture and societal beauty standards.
“The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love” by Sonya Renee Taylor** – Discusses body positivity and challenges diet culture.
“When Prophecy Fails” by Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter** – A classic work on cognitive dissonance, exploring how people react when prophecies or absolute religious claims fail.
Articles and Papers:
“The Trouble with the ‘Law of Attraction'” by Carolyn Gregoire** (HuffPost) – Discusses the psychological and practical issues with the law of attraction.
“The Harmful Effects of Diet Culture” by Taylor Wolfram** (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) – An article exploring the negative impacts of diet culture.
“The Perils of Positive Thinking” by Susan David** (Harvard Business Review) – Analyzes the downsides of relentless positivity in personal and professional settings.
Websites and Online Courses:
Intuitive Eating – A resource focusing on a balanced approach to food and body image, countering diet culture.
Coursera and edX – Provide courses on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and psychology. Examples include:
– “The Science of Well-Being” by Yale University (Coursera)
– “Psychological First Aid” by Johns Hopkins University (Coursera)
Podcasts and Videos:
1. “Maintenance Phase” – A podcast debunking wellness and diet culture myths.
“The Happiness Lab” by Dr. Laurie Santos** – Explores the science of well-being, addressing the limits of positive thinking.
TED Talks – Search for talks on critical thinking, the psychology of belief, and emotional intelligence. Notable example:
“The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Supportive Communities:
Body Positivity Groups** – Communities like “The Body Positive” offer support and resources to counteract diet culture.
Skeptics Societies – Organizations like The Skeptics Society promote scientific skepticism and critical thinking about various claims, including those related to spirituality and religion.
Religious Literacy Projects – Programs like Harvard’s Religious Literacy Project provide nuanced education on religion and its diverse expressions, promoting understanding and critical engagement.
Academic Journals:
Journal of Positive Psychology** – Offers research on the benefits and limitations of positive thinking and related practices.
International Journal for the Psychology of Religion** – Publishes research on the psychological aspects of religious beliefs and practices.
These resources can help you critically engage with the topics, develop a balanced perspective, and avoid the pitfalls associated with overly simplistic or manipulative practices.
Taste0ftruth Tuesdays 