The Anatomy of Magic
How does magic work?
I’m sure the thinkers of our art have some charming philosophical explanations to this question. But their explanations—if as pompous as many philosophical expositions—will only leave you in a state of “huh?”
So listen to me instead. I have a simpler answer to this age-old riddle.
Magic happens when the mind is tricked and the person is fooled.
Magicians can trick minds and fool people not because people are dumb but because most don’t have the power to observe everything that goes on a magical performance.
Even those who are observant may be observing the wrong actions, appreciating inaccurate information, and believing false claims, no thanks to the performer’s masterful ability to weave a web of deceit.
Thus my simple answer to the complex question “how magic works” is this: magic works because of the spectators’ failure to observe.
Now, if you ask me what does “failure to observe” mean, my answer is this: one more question and I’ll rap your knuckles with a breakaway wand.
Okay, let me answer that by telling you a joke. To save time I will not tell it myself. I’ll give you a link to follow. Read it there.
The joke illustrates and buttresses my points above (yes, I have points, you have to allow me that). Read the joke, digest it, internalize its message, and absorb the meaning behind the humor. Doing so will help you understand how even an amateur trickster can fool people, who lower their guard and observe carelessly.
The joke will teach you a lesson far greater and more important than the instructions that come with your thumb tip can, which you ignore anyway. Read the joke to grow a great mind.
Stay magical,
Leodini
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