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The Illusion of Manifesting: Magical Thinking Meets Modern Self-Help
A Friendly Dive into the Limits and Pitfalls of Manifesting in Today’s World.
There’s no doubt that “manifesting” has become a buzzword in the world of self-help. Whether you’ve stumbled upon it in social media feeds, best-selling books, or podcasts, this influential trend has captivated our attention.
But did you know manifesting belongs to a much older tradition of “mind cure” writings dating back to the late 19th century? Let’s explore the concept of manifesting, how it overestimates our agency, and why it’s essential to keep reality in check.
A Brief History of Manifesting:
The idea of manifesting — the belief that our thoughts can directly influence and create our reality — has roots in “mind cure” movements such as New Thought and positive thinking. Authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson, William James, and more recently, Rhonda Byrne’s book “The Secret,” have popularized the idea that our thoughts shape our lives. While it can be an empowering and inspiring concept, manifesting may also lead to unintended consequences.
