Motivational speaker fails to motivate 21 people to walk over hot coals fast enough

Photo: Randy Stewart (cc)

Twenty-one were burned by hot coals at a seminar hosted by motivational speaker Tony Robbins. Carol Pogash at The New York Times describes the cultish atmosphere of victim-blaming (including by themselves) after the show, which included a "performance coach" going on about the uselessness of modern medicine.

Mr. Robbins was not available for comment. A member of his staff explained that he rarely gives interviews except to "Piers Morgan Tonight" and the "Today" show.

If only the healing power of laughter worked remotely! But it doesn't.