Why not, some might ask?
My shortest answer would be this: one focuses on the tangible, the other on the intangible.
In one approach, I am entirely responsible for my success or failure. In the other, everything is believed to be in the hands of forces beyond our understanding—and, more importantly, beyond our control.
Can we honestly claim that these two philosophies can be fully reconciled and practiced simultaneously?
This is precisely the debate I see unfolding today across much of the world, and increasingly here in Morocco.
Some have recognized the commercial opportunity created by this confusion and have promoted the highly profitable concept of New Age spirituality, where virtually anything can be claimed because no evidence is required.
Listen to certain wealthy and famous gurus or spiritual guides, and you’ll hear an eclectic mix of concepts ranging from divinity and the Law of Attraction to universal energy, vibrations, the universe, the Qur’an, saints, quantum physics, and countless other mysterious ideas—all blended together into a compelling narrative.
The appeal of these “New Age Gurus” is obvious.
For the follower, there are no heavy burdens to carry and no difficult battles to fight. One simply has to believe—and, of course, pay.
Once you “open yourself” to these supposedly hidden truths, you are promised that the universe, positive energy, and infinite possibilities will begin working in your favor. According to these teachings, only your guru and a select group of followers possess this secret knowledge—knowledge that somehow remains unknown to science and the rest of humanity.
The reality is that most people hold on to beliefs because the truth can sometimes be difficult to face.
A comforting illusion is often more attractive than an uncomfortable reality.
Belief systems also offer something deeply human: a sense of community. It feels reassuring to belong to a group of people who share the same convictions and who believe that everything will eventually work out—without requiring significant effort.
Reality, however, is rarely that simple.
Building yourself—or building a successful business—requires consistent hard work over time.
No belief alone has ever made an airplane take off or advanced someone’s career.
Like a muscle, the brain must first be nourished with knowledge and then strengthened through continuous practice. Over time, it develops the skills, judgment, and resilience needed to face life’s real challenges.
Spirituality certainly has a place in helping many people find balance and meaning.
But we should be careful not to allow those I would describe as opportunists to exploit our natural vulnerabilities by claiming they possess a magical solution to life’s problems.
As the Americans like to say:
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
— Karim Kadiri