Features & Columns

thrive One of the (seemingly endless) messages in 'Thrive' is that the world is gradually waking up—a sentiment most true for the audience once the film's two hour and twelve minute running times comes to a close.

Truth Matters

Early in the film, Foster Gamble says that, at the beginning of his quasi-journalistic investigation, he decided to follow the number one rule: Follow the money. Having been a journalist for a lot of years, that's a phrase I've heard frequently; many civilians think it's our number one rule. It's not.

The number one rule is get both sides of the story. The number one rule is don't cherry-pick facts to suit your preconceived notions. The number one rule is be fair. The number one rule is tell the truth. The number one rule is keep an open mind, but not so open that your brains fall out. Follow the money is, like, rule number 27.

Like Foster Gamble, I believe there is a secret pattern at work in the universe. Most people do. The Buddhists call it the Dharma, some Native Americans call it the Great Spirit or Great Mystery, and it's what some Christians and Jews mean when they say God, or what some Muslims mean when they say Allah. If Foster Gamble wants to come up with his own word for it, no problem.

My big problem with this film isn't its zany metaphysics or its Neanderthal politics or the fact that it seems to try and hide its political agenda. My problem is that Thrive promotes an irrational way of thinking that undermines logical political discourse. I hate to see my community being tricked into buying this nonsense.

In my humble opinion, one of the most magnificent expressions in all of creation is the human mind, and our ability to appreciate beauty and understand truth. Thrive is an affront to both.

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