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The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success Summary: Legit or BS?
In The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, author Deepak Chopra provides a formula for success through a blend of Eastern spirituality, positive thinking, and the Law of Attraction. While popular, many of these principles run counter to the foundational laws of social exchange and power dynamics taught here at TPM.
TPM Strategic Note: This book mixes some valid mindsets with unscientific and potentially harmful advice
While it touches on useful concepts like meditation and purpose, its tactical advice—such as "practicing defenselessness" or "giving to get"—can easily turn into a sucker’s strategy. In a world with plenty of 'takers', manipulators, and Machiavellians, following these "laws" literally will often lead to exploitation. Use this review to understand the claims, but look to the critique for the actual strategy.
The Claims: The Seven Laws
Deepak Chopra outlines seven "laws" that he claims allow a person to tap into the "divine energy" of the universe to manifest wealth and success:
- 1. The Law of Pure Potentiality: We are part of the divine force of the universe. Chopra suggests 30 minutes of meditation twice a day to connect with this potential.
- 2. The Law of Giving: The universe operates through dynamic exchange. To get what you want, you must give it away first.
- The Trap: Chopra suggests that even saving money "interrupts the flow." He argues you should spend and give to keep the wealth circulating.
- 3. The Law of Karma: Every action has a consequence. The universe returns in kind what you sow.
- 4. The Law of Least Effort: Like grass growing or birds flying, success should be effortless. This involves total acceptance of people and circumstances as they are.
- 5. The Law of Intention and Desire: Focus on your desires, think positively, and the universe will provide.
- 6. The Law of Detachment: Be passionate about your goals but detached from the outcome. Allow solutions to "spontaneously emerge" rather than forcing them.
- 7. The Law of Dharma: Find your unique purpose. Instead of asking what the universe can do for you, ask how you can serve the universe through your talents.
TPM Critique: Why It's Often BS
1. The "Giving Sucker" Risk
Chopra’s Law of Giving and Law of Dharma are at high risk of turning you into a "giving sucker." In The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, there is no mention of vetting the recipient. If you give without boundaries to "Takers," you don't attract "The Universe's abundance"—you attract more exploitation.
At TPM, we recommend SMART collaboration. Give to those who have the capacity and willingness to return value; protect yourself from those who don't.
2. The Karma Myth
The idea that the universe will "return in kind" is a comforting thought, but it's naive self-help. History and modern observation prove this "law" doesn't hold. Genghis Khan built the largest empire in history through extreme violence and rape, yet he died in his bed surrounded by family and power. There was no universal Karma for him.
The Karma is us. If you want justice or results, you cannot wait for the universe to step in. You must be the agent of your own outcomes. Don't expect "f*cking Karma" to do the job for you.
3. The Danger of Defenselessness
Chopra suggests "practicing defenselessness"—relinquishing the need to convince others or defend your ideas. While this may be "peaceful" in a monastery, it is social suicide in competitive environments. If you are defenseless in a corporate boardroom or a high-stakes negotiation, you are signaling low status and lack of Frame Control.
Valid Insights
Despite the "woowoo" baggage, there are a few tactical points worth extracting:
1. Internal Locus of Control via Meditation
The meditation part is solid. Letting go of the ego—the part of you that is hyper-reactive to slights—can help you maintain a stronger "Internal Frame" during social pressure.
2. Give Before Asking (The "Value-First" Lead)
Asking without giving is the height of entitlement. While Chopra takes "Giving" to a dangerous extreme, the core principle of leading with value is a pillar of high-level social skills.
Review: Legit or BS?
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is a mix of the Law of Attraction, bland spirituality, and the power of positive thinking. We rated this 1.9 stars because, while it provides some psychological comfort, its practical life advice is unscientific and dangerous for anyone operating in the real world.
In general, these types of books appeal more to a "hope-based" audience rather than the ambitious, critical-thinking men we cater to here. Chopra's advice to be "effortless" and "defenseless" will make you a prime target for the very people TPM teaches you to master.
If you want success, don't rely on "Pure Potentiality." Rely on Strategy, Power Dynamics, and Social Intelligence.
Here's a start article for self-development:
