If you practice any kind of magic the most common question you get is: does it work?
Magicians have stock responses for this. They’re actually pretty disappointing. The ones I hear most often are:
1:/ Well, I believe it works.
2:/ I’ve never had any complaints/never a disappointed customer.
3:/ Let me tell you my theory on why it must work.
You can probably see the problem with these answers. They dodge the question.
Other magicians insist their art works. This is a better answer, because at least it is an answer. And usually these magicians are sincere: they really believe in this power. But if you ask them about any kind of proof they get upset. They say things like, “magic isn’t something you can prove,” or “science can’t test everything.”
Seriously?
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My Answer
I’ve said before that I’m very interested in the scientific study of magic. Recently I talked about one example of a traditional technique that has been proven to work. In the next few posts I’ll look at the skeptic tests of magicians, and a more in-depth look at traditional techniques.
But the most important thing I can say about magic is this:
I have no idea if magic works.
A lot of believers – and even potential customers – will be angry that I said this. But let’s be honest. Do you have even one piece of proof that your magic spells work?
I do believe magic can be tested. And the kind of magic I do has not been tested. In the absence of scientific proof, I have nothing to offer you. I could talk at length about my personal experiences, but if I told you a fantastic story about feeling energies would it really mean anything?
I believe in integrity. So I speak honestly. I practice an art that provokes powerful feelings in people, and is traditionally believed to have a real effect on the world. I do a damn good job at it. It’s a beautiful art, and I hope you’ll like the scrolls I make.
But I’m not going to lie to you and say a mysterious power exists when I have no idea. And honestly, neither does anyone else.
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