Humans have a strong attraction to the idea that you can get what you want by wishing, instead of what is usually required in the real world.

A lot of philosophies, and for that matter, a lot of major religions, were born in this desire.

You might notice that most gods throughout human cultures have two common characteristics:

First, they explain things that can't be explained otherwise (there used to be a lot more of these things than there are now)

Second, these gods, who run things, can be influenced by human effort. Prayers, rituals, sacrifices, whatever.

There are exceptions, but not many of them.

Most parapsychology grows out of this same deep human urge. It's no coincidence that "The Force" was an appealing concept to moviegoers.