Re: Time Capsule: January 19th, 1/19/2011, 12:30 am

[Guest guest]

In 1798: Auguste Comte, philosopher/founder (sociology & positivism).

I've commented on this one because of the mention of positivism. Positivism is a philosophy that in part says that if you simply imagine good things happening, they will. That if you simply imagine getting a promotion at work or getting a million dollars, that it will happen. Positivist seminars and instructional courses are not uncommon at colleges, various workplaces, and even big companies.

It is thought that positivism has negative consequences, however. The focus on being positive, banishing negative thoughts from one's mind, etc., can blind one to reality. It is speculated that it played a role in the business troubles in the late 1990's and through to today (along with corruption of course).

Positivism is essentially self-esteem training taken to the extreme and done wrong.