If the subject of the laws of attraction came up in conversation, there is little doubt that the book and documentary film, called, The Secret would be discussed, since it is all about the metaphysical concept of the law of attraction. Most people do not realize there are also laws of attraction in science, philosophy and sociology. In the fifth century BC, the Greek philosopher, Empedocles, spoke of philia and neikos; or attractive and repulsive forces.

Empedocles said that love is related to attraction, and strife is the cause of repulsion. He said that we actively take part in creation of the world, though our perception of it, and that the physical universe is comprised of particles o fire, air, water and Earth, (which Plato later called, the four elements.) He also wrote, that everything that will ever be created, exists already among those elements.

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.

What about human relationships? Do opposites really attract, or do likes attract? Most sociologists say that this argument is overwhelming slanted in favor of likes attract, especially in terms of marriage. Most couples, at the time of marriage, share similar levels of attractiveness or sex appeal, education, social status, religious and political views and economic status, but this is not complete, by any means. One can always find exceptions.

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.

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