Lost loved ones Quote by Chris Hedges
““Those who fail to exhibit positive attitudes, no matter the external reality, are seen as maladjusted and in need of assistance. Their attitudes need correction. Once we adopt an upbeat vision of reality, positive things will happen. This belief encourages us to flee from reality when reality does not elicit positive feelings. These specialists in "happiness" have formulated something they call the "Law of Attraction." It argues that we attract those things in life, whether it is money, relationships or employment, which we focus on. Suddenly, abused and battered wives or children, the unemployed, the depressed and mentally ill, the illiterate, the lonely, those grieving for lost loved ones, those crushed by poverty, the terminally ill, those fighting with addictions, those suffering from trauma, those trapped in menial and poorly paid jobs, those whose homes are in foreclosure or who are filing for bankruptcy because they cannot pay their medical bills, are to blame for their negativity. The ideology justifies the cruelty of unfettered capitalism, shifting the blame from the power elite to those they oppress. And many of us have internalized this pernicious message, which in times of difficulty leads to personal despair, passivity and disillusionment.””
About This Quote
The passage critiques the “Law of Attraction” for blaming individuals for systemic hardships, suggesting it masks capitalist exploitation.
In simple terms: Blaming victims for their misfortune is a harmful ideology.
Question narratives that shift responsibility onto the vulnerable.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- social work
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance personal optimism with systemic change?
- What role should personal responsibility play in addressing poverty?
The argument may overlook personal agency and positive thinking benefits.