Magical_Mongoose wrote:Do you believe "New Agey" movements are causing mental harm, or rather that those who have experienced some degree of life-changing psychological states (depression, psychosis) are seeking out things "outside the box"? What came first, the chicken or the egg?
I would tend to think it's some life-changing event which has led to a possible life-changing psychological state that has then forced the individual to pursue a path that is no longer considered mainstream. Not all cases sure, and not all outside events will trigger a change in mental state - but for those who are deemed to be unhappy or depressed, I would say it's past circumstances which have created the present condition. I find it hard to believe that someone happy and content with everything in life, would even start digging in the first place. The people who pursue fringe knowledge I think are generally people who are aware that all is not well in this reality, that what we are told to believe, there is something wrong with it.
The biggest problem however I think this study poses, is that kids or people who aren't necessarily unhappy, but who are starting to question things around them do so in a public way - by letting their friends and family know what they're discovering - then to find that those around them are fearing for that person's mental health and convince them to stay clear from these new agey ideas, and come back to the flock. The potential for change in one's life could be shattered by others who may not necessarily have read this study, but who would be inclined to believe it straight out without question.
Magical_Mongoose wrote:Haha, I love that quote "How can one change society if one is focused on oneself?"
Well, one can change society with an extreme focus on oneself...think most politicians. This paradoxical conclusion falls flat once you inflate it.
I like this quote too. Obviously he hasn't heard of the aphorism 'gnothi seauton' or 'know thyself'. If you think of everyone in history who has ever changed society for better or worse, there is a good chance that they knew their personal strengths and weaknesses. That doesn't come from sitting among the masses, and buying everything you are told. A lot of introspection and 'fousing on oneself' is required first before you can make a difference.
Vincit omnia Veritas: Truth conquers all.
