The secret law of attraction

If somebody asked you about the laws of attraction, you would probably think about the documentary film, and book, The Secret, that talked about the metaphysical law of attraction, but laws of attraction can be found in science, sociology, as well as philosophy. Between 400 & 500 BC, Empedocles, the ancient Greek philosopher, spoke of “philia and neikos;” (attractive & repulsive forces.)

Empedocles said that physical structures are made up of Earth, water, fire and air. Plato, later labeled these, the 4 elements. According to Empedocles, physical structures consist of differing proportions of these elements, and that our perception of the world helps to create it. He said that whatever structures that will be manifested, already exist within the elements; and also, that love is part of the attraction force, and strife is connected to the repulsion force.

In the fourth century BC, Plato expounded upon some of the Empedocles’ work, including his concept of the philia (attractive force), by coming up with what would become known as the first law of attraction (or, affinity). Like attracts like, Plato said, as in Earth to Earth, or, water to water.

Albertus Magnus, in 1250, applied that idea, (likes attract) to chemical systems, and postulated 4 laws of affinity. Isaac Newton, in 1687, worked on the 4 laws of chemical affinity and came out with a single law that related to the laws of planetary motion.

The French chemist and physician, Etienne Geoffroy, in 1718, was inspired by Newton’s first law of affinity and postulated a second law. He said that two substances could be attracted to each other, but if a third one was added that had stronger attraction, it could force out the weaker substance. Another French chemist, Pierre Macquer, in 1749, built 4 new laws, upon the two existing laws of affinity, and then added a seventh in 1766.

In terms of human relationships, social scientists have debated among themselves whether opposites attract, or if likes attract. It is generally accepted that people tend to group with, and/or marry, others who have similar political & religious views, economic & social status, degrees of sexual appeal, educational levels, etc., etc. On the other hand, there are many individuals for whom this does not apply.

The laws of attraction that most people think of when they hear that term, is a metaphysical belief system that states that since all matter is energy, and energy is all that exists, and humans are energy beings, we help to create our own realities by our beliefs, thoughts, fears, dreams, and pictures that we fill our brains with. The number of people who convey stories of success by applying these principles is nothing less than impressive. They often say that letting go of fear resulted in creating major breakthroughs.

Find out more about the laws of attraction and discover how you can put the law of attraction into practice in your life.