MichaelHoward comments on Positive Thinking - Less Wrong

20 Post author: Swimmer963 07 March 2011 01:03AM

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Comment author: MichaelHoward 08 March 2011 01:02:46PM 5 points [-]

Despite my protestations, my girlfriend recently caught "The Secret" - a ridiculous flight from realism bordering on cultish, based on the believe that that quantum-mechanics proves we create our universe and wishes come true through messages sent out to it.

She has become significantly happier, more positive, and better at dealing with life, with no apparent negative effects or wacky bad decicions.

Comment author: wedrifid 08 March 2011 01:48:42PM *  4 points [-]

For some it does seem easier to operate effectively by believing well tailored bullshit than by building a deep understanding of their own psychology and of rational decision making under uncertainty. Fortunately if fed the right bullshit it may lead to approximately the same ultimate decision.