187. Calling it simply "fraud" can cause you to overlook something.

Of course, if someone is selling expensive products by claiming false effects, then each case needs to be considered individually. However, explaining the entire phenomenon solely as "scammers and people who are deceived" doesn't explain why so many people are drawn to this ideology.

• For the phrase "You don't have to try so hard" to be appealing, there must exist a society where people feel they "must continue trying."
• For the phrase "You are valuable even if you do nothing" to offer solace, there must be people who feel that "you are not valuable unless you achieve something."
• For the phrase "The universe will take care of you" to be appealing, there must be an underlying anxiety that "this society won't protect me."

Therefore, even if we only look at the spiritual market, we can only see half of the phenomenon. We also need to consider the society that creates the demand for those products.

188. In modern society, there is too much emphasis on "figure things out yourself."

In modern society, people design their careers.

• Prepare for retirement funds.
• Manage health.
• Manage relationships.
• Invest.
• Improve skills.
• Increase value in the job market.
• Express yourself on social media.
• Enhance self-esteem independently.

Everything is coming back to individuals in the form of "your own responsibility." While freedom has increased, there's also a stronger feeling that one must manage their entire life independently. In this situation, the words "I don't have to figure everything out myself anymore" appear as a salvation.

189. "Leaving it to fate" is also an escape from a society of personal responsibility.

From this perspective, the phrase "to leave it to the universe" has not only religious meaning but also social psychological implications.

• You don't have to decide everything yourself.
• You don't have to be responsible for all the results.
• There is a larger flow in life than you.
• You don't have to completely predict the future.

This can also be considered a kind of psychological reaction against a society that has become self-responsible.

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