Magical Thinking
Have you seemed to notice how a few metaphysical “self-help” books like “the Secret” and, recently another “motivational book” called “The Last Lecture” seem to rise up (according to EW magazine) to bestseller status? While I don’t know what the book “The Last Lecture” is about (I’ll probably wiki it if I have the time.) I can surely tell you what the Secret is about. The Secret is just glorified deluded magical thinking. I remember that when I ask Anya what she thought about it she called it a “Pyramid Scheme Cult” (or something to that effect) waiting to happen. Actually, she may not be far off considering that the basis of scientology began with the publication of a book (isn’t there more than one? Well, later Ron found out, literally since he once made a remark along these lines, that more money could be made by founding your own religion and so scientology was born).
Maybe we live in an era of hype, where many diversions are created and sought for. After all, why are people interested in leaving one religion to join some other one (like Wicca, Islam, Buddhism, etc)? It’s as if they know the religion they were born to is crap yet can’t face the conclusion of a godless world. Anyway, I shouldn’t not worry about this since probably the majority of the apostates become non-religious (mostly agnostics). One thing about agnostics is that some do seem to be “fence sitters” who easily convert to some other religion or have some sort of reverence to the concept. However, this doesn’t rule out the more militant ones. Anya is far from these flip-floping agnostics yet she considers herself an agnostic. Another guy in an internet forum mention he was an anti-theist and an agnostic, again I bet this has to do more with Bakunin then agnosticism (*explanation: both examples are anarchists, thus they probably acknowledge the remark Bakunin once made: “If god exists then it’s necessary to abolish him.” When it comes to agnostics who aren’t anarchists the ones I met are usually as I described.). However, atheists aren’t far from “going back to religion”, which is a shame really (and also a shame when an agnostic does it too). This age is considered an age of reaction so it shouldn’t be surprising but quite a shame anyway. Probably I’ll write an essay talking about atheism, agnosticism, and such soon. Although, one or a few studies claim that non-theism is on the rise versus other religions in “1st world countries”; which is comforting news.
There are hypes other then religions, but I don’t plan to dwell on this subject. Either way, most/all of these hypes is just hot air and sooner or later disappointment will set in (or return, since the hype aims at solving disappointments.) Back to the Secret, the book message also implies that most “bad things” that happen to you are completely your fault. This is a typical message in this kind of society but what’s different is now they’re using irrationality to prove it. Probably one (tiny) sign out of many that the elite are becoming “senile” (unfit to rule). Before, the capitalist elite where very rational and sought to increase secularism (and in some cases fight head on with religion, superstition, and ignorance.) and focus on rational ways to solve their problems, etc and justify their ideology (although most of the science behind these justifications was junk science like sociobiology, etc. They still do it though, under the guise of evolutionary psychology. Yet the focus seems to be shifting to a more irrational one.).
The reason why I mention all this stuff, other than to give you something interesting, enlightening, or etc to read, is because recently my parents have become more religious/superstitious as of late. They also began getting into the whole “secret” thing that it is quite annoying. Although I won’t need to put up with much of this once I’m in college.
Puerto Rico is only good because of the friends I have here. IF all my friends were state-side then there’s little reason to return to this back-water island with its nauseating politics, worsening infrastructure (and/or any lack of overall improvement), and its passive population. Seriously, with the shit going down in this government and economy it’s a surprise there hasn’t been at least a small insurrection somewhere here. Maybe some of my complaints are comparative, once you’ve been living somewhere better other familiar places look worse than what was once thought. Another problem is that my laptop sometimes goes on the fritz, I think I need a new one.
Also I’ve reconsidered my major and now decided to major in history (and minor in sociology). Some reasons: 1)I’m extremely good at history classes and can (and have) memorize quite a few historical facts 2)I like to talk, although more like lecture, people of some historical fact/narrative. Although I wished I received more questions or even requests about said facts/narrative) 3) Since I like to learn history and to talk/discuss it, I’m probably more better suited to being a history professor because they teach and do research on their field. Lastly, 4) maybe one other reason is that the study of history and sociology can be more leftist oriented then psychology.