Trivial but important

obviously, a true theory must work. But false theories may also work.

For instance, the geocentric model allows us to predict when the sun will rise, movements of the stars and planets, etc.

sometimes, to get even a small amount of improvement in what the theory can do, we must radically change the assumptions that are at its base. (like in the Copernican revolution, or passing from Newtonian gravity as attraction to Einstein's gravity as spatio-temporal deformation).

Now, why wouldn't the same distinction apply to "oriental" theories about the inner self. I mean the fact that, for instance, searching for fluidity works, augments inspiration, etc, only proves that it works. Which, in itself, is an important achievement. I mean, it's not everyday that one finds something that works.

But to deduce, from the fact that it works, that the assumed metaphysics is correct (that chi is really an energy that exists, for instance), is something completely different.

To be clear, one should assume only that a particular method works and ascribe, at most, a certain probability to the associated metaphysical view to be correct.

Confusing the usefulness of a theory to its truth leads to gigantic negative consequences, like people believing in the truth of religions and so on (which work rather well in some dimensions and paths), which in turn leads to despising or looking down on people who don't agree with our metaphysics, lack of communication and understanding, attempting to "teach" the other and defend our view from others' skepticism, making groups of people who are intolerant of others or that proselytize to others, wars, death, unimaginable suffering.

And it all started with a very small mistake, almost to small to seem important.