"The Secret" Is Out

New Age Phenomenon Claims You Can Have Anything You Want

(CBS)  The secret is out. "The Secret," the book that purports to reveal the secret of happiness, is dominating the best seller list.

DVDs are flying off store shelves, CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker reports.

"We have people come in and buy 20 to 50 copies at a time," says Harmony Rose Allor of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore.

The sales aren't the only thing out of this world. "The Secret," as revealed – rather, hyped – by Australian TV producer Rhonda Byrne makes an astonishing claim.

"You can have, do, or be anything," Byrne claims.

Want that necklace, a big house, a cancer cure? Focus on it, feel it, and the universe will deliver.

"I have seen many miracles take place in people's lives," Michael Beckwith says in "The Secret."

"It sounds kind of materialistic, but that's not what's really going on. It's simply what you think about, you bring about," Beckwith adds.

Actor Hal Sparks gave "The Secret" to his girlfriend Samantha Humphreys.

"And it worked," Sparks says. "It always does." "Like a charm," Humphreys adds.

Now she's in a loving relationship and visualizes her other desires. Things come to you when the universe decides, Humphrey says.

Extreme? No, mainstream. Even Oprah says she believes it.

And in Dallas, true believers gather openly for "Secret" meetings.

"The things that I truly want, they show up," Robyn Short says.

As New Agey as it seems, it's not new. In the 50's it was "The Power Of Positive Thinking." In the 60's, there was "Good Vibrations."

"This is old hot air in a new balloon," says psychologist Jerald Jellison of the University of South California. He says it offers seductively easy answers in hard times.

"I don't want to teach my child that they can just wish for a good grade and they're going to get it," Jellison says. "We all understand it takes work."

Samantha Humphreys will keep telling her friends "The Secret." No one says to her that it's ridiculous "because you have nothing to lose," she says.

And that could be the secret to its unbelievable success.

[akvilla]

The Secret is more than just wanting something. It is simple yet comlicated but understandable. You have to believe something can and will happen. You also have allow others to not believe. the mother in your interview, believes he child has to work hard to get good grades and the Universe will answer by having her child work hard. But If a child really wants good grades, and believes he can get them, he will be inspired to absorbe the material it will take to have them. The fact that "the Secret" is now on so many tv shows, is a result of so many people believing iin it and wanting it to be shared.
Thank you.

[canyoutellme-2009]

i thought this was a crock of @%#$ too. A friend of the family gave me a copy and said i had to watch it about 3 months ago. So, i did. And you know what? I was in a job i hated and so i truly desired a new job without thinking negatively like "Oh, i don't deserve it" etc... turns out, i was offered a job 2 months later earning 40% more (in the 6 figure range now) doing what I love. Seriously, is that just a coincidence? a head hunter came out of nowhere to offer me this job and it was something i concentrated good feelings toward. I, then applied, interviewed, and got the job and am loving it.

[suede8]

Katie

Your report on the Secret was an infomercial NOT news. You wasted our time and yours. I can't believe that CBS is paying you millions to do an infomercial. They ought to reconsider your contract.

What are you going to hawk next? vitamins? exercise equipment? knives?

What's going on in the world? You only have 30 minutes and you wasted the last segment.

You need to be fired.

[hypnotoad72]

Life, Liberty, the pursuit of happiness...

No longer a nation's credo but a catchphrase in a con artist's book destined to be in the Fiction section of the discount bookstore where nothing is over a dollar... and who shops there?

If escape were so easy as that book claims, we could all be free of this nasty world.

So where can I buy my copy? :D

[smsherburne]

This isn't a new approach, but not everyone takes to one approach. There is a reason why multiple versions do develop over time.

When I was young, my mother gave me a book written by a Portland (Or)man on how he was successful in business during the great depression. It was a way to constantly remind yourself, with notes all over the place, as a way to program your subconcious and make you more aware to respond to items that will lead to the goal you have set.

You are right if you say you can't get something for nothingl. This approach was picking-up and following the path of jobs, or whatever that will contribute to you reaching your goal.

In the book "Conversations With God," bye Neil Patrick Walsch, "God" explains how you can call for his help. It isn't a snap. There is work invovled.

In Wayne Dyer's "Intentions" his process appears to include elements of both of the previous books, and then some. There is work involved.

I have not read "The Secret." However, what I have heard "about" the book is there is work involved. You don't get something for nothing. You can sit back, have a glass of wine, and wait for your wish to come true. You will only become an alchoholic. You must work.

[isavesmart]

Hey Katie,
I can see many points of view with this story. It did sound as if CBS news was trying to sell the book and DVD. Maybe Oprah too. But with so much negative news, this story does shed light on the positive. We all need to be positive and hope for the best to achieve our goals. That is what the American Spirit is all about. With the war in Iraq and homelessness in America, we all need to believe in something. Nobody should loose magic in their lives. We get one life and that is what is important and what we should take time to focus on. The world needs more magic in life and that is what counts. I am not going to buy Secret because it is what I practice everyday. I only do well when I think positively. When I think negatively then bad things happen to me. Who knows. Life is a mystery.
Robin Casey
www.isavesmart.com

[tonilyons]

I was so excited when I thought you were going to talk about The Secret since it states the meaning behind the laws of attraction and I totally think that the news should be more positive to attract the same, but was disappointed that you were so negative about the book.

My entire family listens to the CD's (audio of the book) and they have helped us so much. We practice all day long to be more aware of our thoughts and try to be more positive and loving to all around us. How bad can that be?

[gapeach48]

This message is not new but needs to be spread just the same. The Bible says as a man thinketh in his heart so is he and you reap what you sow. Before anything can happen in the universe, it is first an idea or a thought. After the thought comes the belief that it is a possibility. After that there is a plan and then action.

If I don't believe something is possible, I will not think about it for long and I will not do anything about it. People have always laugh at people who have had ideas that did not seem possible at the time. Ideas like airplanes and even electricity.

I know a mind is a terrible thing to waste so use it to dream and then think about how that dream is possible and maybe it will be reveal to you how it may become possible. Norman Rockwell painted pictures of a life he wanted. People saw his art work and saw his vision and for some people this has become a reality. And there are many others...

[monty_4]

Sounds like the power of positive thinking or Dyanetics. Same story, different packaging.

[mvperez13]

The Secret has really changed my life. I have been bedridden and unable to walk due to an incurable bone disease since Nov. 2005. I ordered the book and DVD from Amazon.com, after I heard about it on Oprah. After a few days, I was walking a few steps. Now, after two weeks, I can walk without assistance. I feel that the book does certainly change lives. I recommend it to everyone.

[jenngivler]

I love the Early Show - I really do. It is the best morning show out there. However, I found Harry Smith completely irresponsible in his report on The Secret. Did he or the professor even WATCH the video?

The Secret teaches that, yes, you must think positively about what you want, and you must ask for it, but The Secret also teaches that you must TAKE ACTION in order to get what you want. James Ray says it in the movie, Michael Beckwith says it, Jack Canfield says it, and Joe Vitale says it %u2013 why do people keep missing that piece of the teaching?

I am a Business Coach, I work with women entrepreneurs who are just starting out in their businesses, and I use these principals with my clients all the time with wonderful results. Yes, we talk about positive thinking - but we also talk about taking action - which is exactly what The Secret teaches.

I am tired of The Secret being bashed as a some sort of hocus pocus. I mean, Oprah has the sense to know that this stuff works - apparently Harry didn't see her two shows, where taking action was also discussed.

I am really disappointed in the way this story was reported %u2013 and this is the first time I%u2019ve been disappointed with CBS since I switched from ABC three years ago.

[jude68-2009]

It is a sad indication of the direction of our world that CBS would take a clearly negative approach to The Secret which is, if nothing else, a positive message to the world. All I heard from the guest who spoke against The Secret is how it may give false hope to people who are sick or blind. But I did not hear his suggestion for what can uplift someone in pain or suffering. If not this positive message than what? CBS made its opinion clear by giving the negative side more air time and the final word. Going forward I will watch a network with a more positive outlook for the world or at least one that gives a fair look at both sides of a story.

[truthteller4]

The stuff from "The Secret" has never been a secret. This is just plain false advertising. I have seen better information in other books, such as "The Second Coming of Christ", long before this copycat book, "The Secret".

[dave_n1yvv]

I watched the first 20 minutes (in acute agony) because my wife made me promise to watch it with her. She said because she heard on Oprah that it was based on science, and I am a scientist, I could give a professional opinion. Ok, here's my opinion: I want our money back! It's nothing more than a big load of fermenting garbage wrapped in a nice plastic bag...one of those with the aligator skin textures that allow you to cram more in.

First off, that first 20 minutes contained nothing but lies and cheap testimonials designed to get gullible people to keep watching. Yes lies! I guarantee that those supposed scientists are most likely not. I know of no philosphers who go by that title alone and no degree qualifications after it. I know of no physicists that go by the title "quantum physicist" again, with no degree after it, except for 1 "scientist" who had A.B.M.A. after his title. What the hell does that stand for? All I could find was "American Boiler Manufacturers Association".

The only real scientists named in that DVD - Einstein, Newton, etc - all had one thing in common...THEY ARE ALL DEAD! No way they can refute the astrocity being committed in their names!

Now please, if you want to bring good things in your life do it the old fashioned, tried and true way...get a job! I'm 45 years old and I've learned my lesson. Don't waste any more money and time on garbage like this.

America, wake up and smell the B.S.!

[dave_n1yvv]

I watched the first 20 minutes (in acute agony) because my wife made me promise to watch it with her. She said because she heard on Oprah that it was based on science, and I am a scientist, I could give a professional opinion. Ok, here's my opinion: I want our money back! It's nothing more than a big load of fermenting garbage wrapped in a nice plastic bag...one of those with the aligator skin textures that allow you to cram more in.

First off, that first 20 minutes contained nothing but lies and cheap testimonials designed to get gullible people to keep watching. Yes lies! I guarantee that those supposed scientists are most likely not. I know of no philosphers who go by that title alone and no degree qualifications after it. I know of no physicists that go by the title "quantum physicist" again, with no degree after it, except for 1 "scientist" who had A.B.M.A. after his title. What the hell does that stand for? All I could find was "American Boiler Manufacturers Association".

The only real scientists named in that DVD - Einstein, Newton, etc - all had one thing in common...THEY ARE ALL DEAD! No way they can refute the astrocity being committed in their names!

Now please, if you want to bring good things in your life do it the old fashioned, tried and true way...get a job! I'm 45 years old and I've learned my lesson. Don't waste any more money and time on garbage like this.

America, wake up and smell the B.S.!

[truthteller4]

I am shocked by Ellen DeGeneres allowing these "Secret" people, while peddling their infomercial about their so-called "Secret" DVD, to quote Werner Von Braun in a praising fashion. Ellen DeGeneres should have confronted them then and there. Werner Von Braun was a rocket scientist, but also an officer in Hitler's SS. Von Braun gathered up at gun point, over 30,000 children, women and men, (including defenseless American P.O.W's) to build his V-2 rockets to terrorize civilians in Belgium and British cities. Almost all of his 30,000 slaveworkers died from overwork, exposure, starvation, torture and outright executions by Von Braun's men. This is Von Braun's dirty little secret. The fact that the peddler's of "The Secret" continually quote the war criminal Von Braun, in a laudatory manner, should tell us something just what "The Secret" is really about: greed, selfishness and indifference to others.

[mi3tees]

The fact is that the secret scares the pharmaceutical companies, which support the psychologists on TV. It is clear that they have not reviewed the DVD fully or they have simply looked at it with many different biases clouding their judgment. Psychology is still working at being a science and maybe it scares most psychologists to think that if they support this issue they could be looked upon as not being a full science. The sad thing is that this finding is the Newton that psychology has been looking for. The law of attraction could be the science that puts psychology on the same level as chemistry or physics. I think psychologist should embrace this finding instead of running from it or criticising it because they are only making psychology look worse and more full of *** than the secret.
As for the secret, it works and it should be embraced. But you know what they say, any publicity is good publicity!!!!!! We can work to find a better world everyday, to find understanding and peace in our world, and we will get there, it just depends on how much we truly want it and how much we truly believe it can happen in our world!

[adavis07]

All of you can take "the Secret" how ever your heart desires. If you don't like it, then don't buy it. I however have changed my life completly by implementing the secret to everyday ongoings. No it is not for everyone, just like church or cults or certain groups! We all learn on different levels, but don't slam something you've yet to try or apply. As for negative...isn't everyday news negative. You want to talk about putting negative into peoples lives, just keep watching the news! That is ALL they focus on! You want to change your life....then do something about it! You are in control, with or without the help of a book or DVD. Look at the whole picture, look at yourself. By the way this is NOT just positive thinking, its a vibration you send out, much deeper than just positive thinking!

[extremophil]

I already know da secret. CHA CHING! CHA CHING!

[dave_n1yvv]

It's a shame we don't bother to learn or remember our own history. Remember after the Civil War? The carpet-baggers? Can you say Snake Oil?

[cbgb31]

America, wake up and smell the B.S.!
Posted by Dave_n1yvv at 10:24 AM : Mar 01, 2007


Good one.

[mshalome]

I am a 45 year old electrician and have a well engrained American work ethic and I believe it is
apparent, though subjective, that one's frame of mind has a strong bearing on the outcome of one's reality. Whether momentum in a sports game, or seeing opportunity rather than problems, we all experience the phenomenon that our lives tend to be a reflection of our beliefs and attitudes. Can anybody doubt that every great move in social advancement occurs when people are inspired towards a better reality? I applaud the endeavors of people that seek to awaken the latent potentials for good in people.
MWright Titusville, Fl.

[mshalome]

I am a 45 year old electrician and have a well engrained American work ethic and I believe it is
apparent, though subjective, that one's frame of mind has a strong bearing on the outcome of one's reality. Whether momentum in a sports game, or seeing opportunity rather than problems, we all experience the phenomenon that our lives tend to be a reflection of our beliefs and attitudes. Can anybody doubt that every great move in social advancement occurs when people are inspired towards a better reality? I applaud the endeavors of people that seek to awaken the latent potentials for good in people.
MWright Titusville, Fl.

[mshalome]

I am a 45 year old electrician and have a well engrained American work ethic and I believe it is
apparent, though subjective, that one's frame of mind has a strong bearing on the outcome of one's reality. Whether momentum in a sports game, or seeing opportunity rather than problems, we all experience the phenomenon that our lives tend to be a reflection of our beliefs and attitudes. Can anybody doubt that every great move in social advancement occurs when people are inspired towards a better reality? I applaud the endeavors of people that seek to awaken the latent potentials for good in people.
MWright Titusville, Fl.

[mshalome]

I am a 45 year old electrician and have a well engrained American work ethic and I believe it is
apparent, though subjective, that one's frame of mind has a strong bearing on the outcome of one's reality. Whether momentum in a sports game, or seeing opportunity rather than problems, we all experience the phenomenon that our lives tend to be a reflection of our beliefs and attitudes. Can anybody doubt that every great move in social advancement occurs when people are inspired towards a better reality? I applaud the endeavors of people that seek to awaken the latent potentials for good in people.
MWright Titusville, Fl.

[mshalome]

I am a 45 year old electrician and have a well engrained American work ethic and I believe it is
apparent, though subjective, that one's frame of mind has a strong bearing on the outcome of one's reality. Whether momentum in a sports game, or seeing opportunity rather than problems, we all experience the phenomenon that our lives tend to be a reflection of our beliefs and attitudes. Can anybody doubt that every great move in social advancement occurs when people are inspired towards a better reality? I applaud the endeavors of people that seek to awaken the latent potentials for good in people.
MWright Titusville, Fl.

[mshalome]

I am a 45 year old electrician and have a well engrained American work ethic and I believe it is
apparent, though subjective, that one's frame of mind has a strong bearing on the outcome of one's reality. Whether momentum in a sports game, or seeing opportunity rather than problems, we all experience the phenomenon that our lives tend to be a reflection of our beliefs and attitudes. Can anybody doubt that every great move in social advancement occurs when people are inspired towards a better reality? I applaud the endeavors of people that seek to awaken the latent potentials for good in people.
MWright Titusville, Fl.

[glennathan]

For people that don't read their bible, I imagine you would be buying this book. I wonder how many true Bible reading Christians are running out to buy this book? I want to believe "not that many."

What a shame, but if this book is where you can get inspiration good--I'm all for it.

As I read above, that people "don't have anything to lose." According to the Bible, you have your Soul to lose, if you don't believe--and I'm not speaking of "The Secret."

[wchywoman]

GOD!!!! The Holy Bible!!!! I personally did not hear one person during this segment mention either!!!! Matthew 17:20-

[ducdebrabant]

Is this a real article? It reads like an ad for the book.

[gailkurp]

To the woman that asked if there are any Christian believers that subscribe to the Secret, I would like to stand up and say "ABSOLUTELY!" This concept is overwhelmingly based on scripture - the most obvious, "Ask and you shall receive!" The Secret doesn't say that you just think about something and it magically appears... it says that you think about what you want, visualize yourself already having it, and being open to receiving it. "Open to receiving" is just another way to say "Believe!" God made the Universe; God created the Energy through which we can communicate with Him. We communicate with God through Prayer which is essentially our "thoughts" (transference of energy). Anyone that prays believes that God will hear and respond - every time, no exception. The Secret is just about aligning our energy with what we want and using our energy connection with the Universe to manifest these things in our lives. The Bible is full of stories that demonstrate how God wants to show us His abundant blessing if we believe in Him and trust His word. Even in nature, God expresses Himself in abundance. There is no limit to the leaves on the trees %u2013 there is simple abundance. If you BELIEVE in God and His willingness to bless us abundantly, then The Secret makes perfect sense.

[dbishop14]

Prayers are answered not because we are so eloquent in persuading GOD or convincing GOD to change his or her mind. They are answered because by praying/being in gratitude we change our mind to one that is in alignment with GOD eternal plan. Which is for us to be open to receiving all that GOD is always giving

[chz1974]

This post is to clarify for the gentleman that thought A.B.M.A. was American Boiler Manufacturers Association. I don't know if he missed the comma between the B and the M, but it should more properly be stated, A.B., M.A. Since the gentleman is apparently not aware, many Ivy League and other prestigious universities (Dartmouth College in this case), give out "A.B" degrees rather than "B.A." degrees, as A.B. is the appropriate abbreviation in Latin. I know this because the individual in question from the movie was a fraternity brother of mine at Dartmouth. I hope the gentleman knows that an M.A. degree is a Master of Arts degree. The PhD degree of this indivdual is in quantum physics from Harvard University. My one query to you is the following: if YOU had a PhD degree in quantum physics from Harvard University, which you apparently do not, how would you describe yourself OTHER THAN as a quantum physicist?

[mdemaria1]

The News media always seems to seek out only the negative points of view. That is why our country is in terrible, divisive shape. The Secret does work, it is a system that helps us retrain our subconscious. When we have trouble in manifestation, it is from our programming from childhood. What is the harm in choosing a better way to live? Our current state of Reality!!! That is not successful worldwide. Now Media must take a proactive, positive view of life to help us move forward. What we focus on grows as evidence in the War and our current state of the Country. So, what would you rather have, this negative, reality.. Our creating a better one.

[mdemaria1]

The News media always seems to seek out only the negative points of view. That is why our country is in terrible, divisive shape. The Secret does work, it is a system that helps us retrain our subconscious. When we have trouble in manifestation, it is from our programming from childhood. What is the harm in choosing a better way to live? Our current state of Reality!!! That is not successful worldwide. Now Media must take a proactive, positive view of life to help us move forward. What we focus on grows as evidence in the War and our current state of the Country. So, what would you rather have, this negative, reality.. Our creating a better one.

[luvbluz2]

I've been following "the secret" for over a year now. I have been to all the positive trainings before and there has been nothing close to assisting me in understanding how to change my life as "the secret" has done. Please understand that if you don't take "action" it will not work, you have to "move your body and work" also, but it explains it in a way that the moving part becomes a whole lot of fun.
I have become a "totally new person" believe it or not, and it came into alignment with knowing "the secret" I hope it will help to change the conciousness of this planet into being the positive "being" they where made.
Thank you also James Ray and my other mentors for my success. I love you!

[luvbluz2]

I pray and create that it will change the conciousness of this planet into people being the positive "beings" they where originally made to be and harnessing the Absolute God that is our birthright within us and that we find the peace and road to our true home within.
When we do this we will have no more wars because the only war we've had has been within us and not outside. We've only terrorized ourselves, I wish that everyone will someday see this and I wish world peace seen 1st inside and
therefore it puts it out into the world as meant to be "peace". The "secret" helped me to understand the only war I have and the world has is within itself. Our huge population on earth has lost critical information. It's so simple that it is out of sight. .
We can read every book on love, yet if we don't experience it, we will never understand it. Love can only become that "love" thru internal experience as everything else. Knowledge of the secret assists us and helps us to see and
to understand the experiences we choose to accept, therefore we are able to "experience" again the great things of life, like happiness, peace, love, //// why have we forgotten.
The "secret" helps us to REMEMBER WHO WE ARE.
Internal work is WORK, it's not an easy path, yet once you know the "secret" it's a blast.
Again I and my Teacher can only Thank you James and my other mentors for success in deliverance.
I love you!
Linda, Brentwood, CA