“I manifested it.” Ever heard that phrase recently? Many believe that visualizing success, like nailing a job interview, will lead to tangible results. Using affirmations such as “I am rich” or “I always find new income sources” is thought to boost financial well-being. Some even think they can completely transform their lives through positivity and good vibes.
While we support taking actionable steps to enhance wealth and financial literacy, it’s worth questioning when this fascination with magical thinking took hold.
Journalist Amanda Montell explores this in her book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality. She examines our obsession with manifestations, nostalgia, and confirmation bias, linking it to our contemporary lives.
Montell defines magical thinking as overanalyzing and underanalyzing the wrong aspects of life. She points out that we often react to minor provocations as if they were significant threats, while neglecting deeper issues that require thoughtful consideration.
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Cognitive bias, a term introduced by psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, refers to our mental shortcuts shaped by personal experiences, preferences, and dislikes. This bias can distort our understanding because it’s subjective rather than fact-based.
Montell argues these biases are colliding with the information age and the crises we face—both global and personal—creating a unique form of delusion. She explains that during tough times, like layoffs or pandemics, we often fabricate narratives to regain a sense of control.
While motivational self-talk is helpful, Montell warns against applying rigid capitalist notions to manifestation. For instance, think twice before subscribing to an Instagram influencer's “secret manifestation technique” for $26 a month.
She notes that educated women are particularly susceptible to these self-healing trends, often investing in products that promise social, spiritual, or wellness connections.
To temper this fervor, Montell suggests increasing our awareness of how cognitive biases and magical thinking influence our perspectives. She aims to help individuals feel less isolated in their struggles, noting many wonder why existence feels so challenging today. Despite living in an information-rich environment, it often seems like nothing makes sense. Her hope is to inspire more empathy for others’ irrationalities and encourage introspection.
