The search for meaning
The General Society Survey is published every other year, and is regarded as an essential fount of information for social scientist wonks. According to the New York Times, it is the most frequently analyzed data source in its field. Beginning in 1972, the survey has measured the attitudes of adult Americans with regard to an array of subjects from politics to homosexuality. The Survey does not publish findings; rather it measures trends in behavior, opinions, and attributes.
When asked if they were happy, the bulk of Americans said they were "pretty happy." Close to 50 percent said they found life, in general, "exciting." When asked if they would describe their marriages as being "happy," 60 percent answered yes.
So, based on the above, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume that Americans are a fairly content and happy lot. However, having said that, there does
seem to be a deep and abiding hunger on the part of many Americans for existential answers. Examine any nonfiction bestseller list and it would appear that we are in a collective hunt for purpose driven lives, and those writers and self-styled gurus who understand this and have responded with books and tapes and DVDs, well, they are obviously tapping into a rich vein of need if sales are any indication.
Take, for example, this winter's publishing phenomenon by Rhonda Byrne, a former television producer from Australia. She has cobbled together a book titled "The Secret." Released only in January, it may well be the fastest selling book of its kind in the history of self-help publishing with some 1.75 million copies projected to be in print by early March. According to Newsweek, which reported on its impact, the book has also generated sales of 1.5 million DVD sales. Sara Nelson, editor of Publisher's Weekly, is quoted in Newsweek as saying, "Nobody ever went broke overestimating the desperate unhappiness of the American public." It's an interesting statement and contrary to the consistent responses of those asked by the General Society Survey.
Perhaps when queried, Americans reflexively dissemble, insisting that they are happy, while secreting away a nudging angst or ennui.
What Byrne promises in her small book is a secret, one that she has distilled from ancient wisdom, the word "secret" being synonymous with "answer." Buy this book and all will be revealed. The search is over. As it turns out, "the secret" is what Byrne calls the "law of attraction," meaning you can create your own reality by how you frame your thoughts. What you think will be is what you will then create. She takes this claim another step, however, insisting that you can literally change objective reality through the power of your thoughts and feelings. Focus on something you want with all of your ability and it will come to you. Drive around a parking lot and focus on a space and one will appear. It works the same way for a new Lexus or a washer-dryer.
Byrne states affirmatively that this is a law inherent in the universe and every individual can command whatever he or she desires by asking, believing, and then receiving. The universe will provide, and the law of attraction will grant our every focused wish. Conversely, if you fill your mind with negative thoughts, if you are convinced that your purse will be stolen, for example, the law of attraction will see to it that you will indeed be mugged.
Byrne has appeared on Oprah, who devoted two shows to Byrne's theory. Oprah is quoted as saying that she has been living her whole life according to the law of attraction, without even knowing it.
What is remarkable about the success of such books is that they are reminders of the existence of millions of Americans who are tenaciously committed hunter-gatherers of self-help ideas, willing to embrace any three-legged chair promising to provide "the secret." The fact that there is no one answer, no matter the claims, seems to matter not a wit.
Each of us cobbles together, based on experience and reading and puzzling out life's vagaries, a philosophy which allows us to get through the day. Some better than others, for a host of reasons which are, ultimately, inexplicable.
Perhaps the search for meaning is best framed by referencing religion, psychology, personal insight, allowing the pilgrim to construct a morality that is both absolute and situational simultaneously. But as for "the secret," that one true thing, you might as well consult Yoda from Star Wars if a definitive answer is necessary to living a purposeful life. Keep in mind that the light saber was a metaphor.
