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One Simple Idea

How Positive Thinking Reshaped Modern Life

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About this listen

 From the millions-strong audiences of Oprah and The Secret to the mass-media ministries of evangelical figures like Joel Osteen and T. D. Jakes, to the motivational bestsellers and New Age seminars to the twelve-step programs and support groups of the recovery movement and to the rise of positive psychology and stress-reduction therapies, this idea--to think positively--is metaphysics morphed into mass belief. This is the biography of that belief.

 No one has yet written a serious and broad-ranging treatment and history of the positive-thinking movement. Until now. For all its influence across popular culture, religion, politics, and medicine, this psycho-spiritual movement remains a maligned and misunderstood force in modern life. Its roots are unseen and its long-range impact is unacknowledged. It is often considered a cotton-candy theology for New Agers and self-help junkies. In response, One Simple Idea corrects several historical misconceptions about the positive-thinking movement and introduces us to a number of colorful and dramatic personalities, including Napoleon Hill and Norman Vincent Peale, whose books and influence have touched the lives of tens of millions across the world.

Includes an Author Q&A and a PDF of Notes on Sources. Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Religious Studies Metaphysical
All stars
Most relevant
A Tour de force in my humble opinion. An excellent crystallisation of the history and influence of Positive thinking. Read this for a great understanding of where 'The Secret' and it's ilk came from.

A great primer.

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Listening to this audiobook, you can tell how the author deep dived in researching the lives of the pioneers from early to modern days. I had never heard of some of the people mentioned but mention of them in a book about positive thinking was sure warranted. Being a historian probably played a good role in the author delivering an amazing body of work.
The narration is as good!

Truly recommend

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