There’s often a very large dead moose under the table at which Folks in the world of “academia” and Folks in the “Real World” sit.
The root of the problem is that identifying “Cause and effect” for much of what happens (Good and/or Bad) can be very elusive.
The academics want to know WHY. They perform studies, compile statistics, develop complex formulas and theories to explain what often turns out to be unexplainable.
In the “Real World,” folks can take different roads. Words like “Kharma, and “Positive Thinking” – “the Power of thought” – “Faith” – start showing up especially when “unexplainable” things happen.
There are critics of this Positive thinking approach. I have even been known to caution people of “Positive spin” of statistics . . . there is such a thing as too much positive – that point at which it invites delusions of grandeur.
I’m reading a book that is somewhat difficult for me to read in part due to the fact that I haven’t yet (and I’m almost finished) found the author’s point . . . or seen evidence that she has any constructive advice or solutions. I continue to read because I am very intrigued by her 200+ pages of relentless “Positive thinking” bashing.
“Bright-Sided – How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America” by Barbara Ehrenreich
The Author actually makes some insightful observations . . . and some ridiculous ones . . . Especially her criticism of Martin Seligman’s “Happiness Equation”
H=S+C+V
- H – Your enduring level of Happiness
- S – Your Set Range
- C – The circumstances of your life
- V – Factors under your voluntary control