People Who Sell You Paradise For A Price
There is a big difference between an optimistic attitude that generates “good vibes”, and “positivism” with so-called magical touches that have made themselves so famous lately. Many of these perspectives give rise to what is called pronoia . This word refers to a state of consciousness that has almost become a creed. In it, its followers say that we must perform some self-suggestion rituals to make the universe “conspire” in our favor.
The word pronoia occurs in contrast to the disorder known as “paranoia”. In the latter, frightening ideas emerge, whose central problem is the belief that the universe conspires to harm us. They interpret any problems or obstacles as a result of an invisible plot, without any evidence to prove it. The source of this universal conspiracy would be a “higher power”, which may well be the devil, Martians, and others.
In pronoia there is a similar mechanism, although its ideas are the opposite. In this case, it is “superior forces” that gather to make everything go well. And as paradoxical as it sounds, anyone who takes on pronoia as a philosophy of life is very close to falling into paranoia. This is because the logic of both mental states is basically the same.
Pronoia and the mentality of the new era
There is a debate about whether pronoia should be considered a mental disorder in itself or whether it is just a symptom. There is no consensus on this. What exists is an agreement that there is a distorted view of reality.
The “positive thinking” currents began to gain momentum during the eighties. This happened at the same time as the doctrine of the so-called “new era” spread throughout the world. Towards the end of the millennium, the idea was that there would be a change in time. A new “positive” conscience would spread throughout the world, they said. To get on the load of the new ideas, you had to use objects and rituals that would apparently attract “good energies”.
Many of these ideas came from some Eastern religions such as Hinduism. These were taken out of context and they spread to Western thoughts, which converted them into material questions and desires. The existence of the so-called “law of attraction” spread widely. According to this “law”, in order to achieve something, we must “nurture” a deep desire to achieve it. This will then lead to a greater probability that the wish will come true. According to these currents, we can feed them through rituals of self-suggestion.
Thus, the foundation for the appearance and consolidation of the condition known as pronoia was laid. If you want a mansion, they say, you should visualize it every day in your mind. You should concentrate carefully on that image and even start making it. If you do it right, the universe will hatch a plan, and sooner or later it will be yours.
A very profitable business
The ideologies that promote pronoia sell hope. This would in principle be worthy of praise, if it were not for the fact that an entire market was set up around the “positive mind”. The most strenuous part of it is that in many cases they only trick people into deceiving themselves and wasting their time. Not to mention the cost of living life from a distorted point of view and bearing the weight of the disappointments that come from this attitude.
From an ethical and psychological point of view, this is a matter of serious concern. People are led to believe that they can achieve their goals by simply “concentrating” on them and “visualizing” them. And in that way they learn how to use quartz and different methods for “attracting energies” and similar absurdities. This downplays the value of work, effort and perseverance. And in the meantime, many are filling their pockets.
Paradise at a price
Any ideology that sells you paradise for a price is, at the very least, suspicious. What all these tides of thought promise is simply impossible – an absence of difficulty or effort. They will tell you that you need to avoid problems or stay away from those who are having problems. They suggest that these problems are infectious diseases. They sell the cat in the bag, and many buy.
The basis for these “positive” flows is nothing more than a prudent marketing strategy. They know that many people in the world fear difficulties because they have not discovered that they can develop and build tools to deal with them. They give people the illusion that we are in a universe where we just have to “tune in” to make our desires a reality. The truth is that they deceive people emotionally and financially. They are a complete obstacle.
Photos courtesy of Henrietta Harris
