I’ve been reading a wee bit of Ralph Waldo Emerson lately. (Yes, I realize how snooty that sounds, but hear me out because I’m really not trying to sound snooty (okay, maybe a little…)). I mention this because, at my ripe old age of 43, I’m finding it quite fun and enlightening to go back and read the people who inspired me when I was younger. Ralph Waldo is one of those people. But I came at his work so differently then than I do now.
Lovely post Jonas. I remember I started following you over on Medium back when you were still very involved with New Thought.
Though New Thought still a transpersonal take that I enjoy, I agree with you that there's a lot of it that is toxic, and in many ways it's been taken out of the context of its original intentions. What comes to mind for me is "The Science of Getting Rich" and how Wattles wanted it to be used as a mindset tool for socialism (IMO), but it eventually got coopted into "The Secret", and the focus shifted to a "spiritual" form of Randianism.
Being both a parent and grandparent, I love telling next generation kins to embrace self-reliance: "No one is gonna help you but yourself." But I explain that this is not absolute. It's more of a personal battle cry that encourages not giving up easily on set goals. I make sure I tell them that their loved ones will of course be there to help and assist them when needed, and without being asked. The self-reliance motto is just there for that needed fighting spirit attitude when push comes to shove. But having said all these, I make it clear that in the end, it is still our loving God and Father who reigns supreme. "Man proposes, God disposes."
Reconciliation enthusiast
Lovely post Jonas. I remember I started following you over on Medium back when you were still very involved with New Thought.
Though New Thought still a transpersonal take that I enjoy, I agree with you that there's a lot of it that is toxic, and in many ways it's been taken out of the context of its original intentions. What comes to mind for me is "The Science of Getting Rich" and how Wattles wanted it to be used as a mindset tool for socialism (IMO), but it eventually got coopted into "The Secret", and the focus shifted to a "spiritual" form of Randianism.
Being both a parent and grandparent, I love telling next generation kins to embrace self-reliance: "No one is gonna help you but yourself." But I explain that this is not absolute. It's more of a personal battle cry that encourages not giving up easily on set goals. I make sure I tell them that their loved ones will of course be there to help and assist them when needed, and without being asked. The self-reliance motto is just there for that needed fighting spirit attitude when push comes to shove. But having said all these, I make it clear that in the end, it is still our loving God and Father who reigns supreme. "Man proposes, God disposes."
Very AWESOME JONAS! Thanks you for your ponderings!
This one I'll be able to mull over for a couple of days. Thank you!