When a magician lets you notice something on your own, his lie becomes impenetrable.
TellerRead
Sometimes, magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect.
Interpretation
Magic often stems from dedication and effort that surpasses ordinary expectations.
This quote by Teller emphasizes that what may appear to be magical is often the result of hard work and commitment. It suggests that excellence and remarkable outcomes arise when individuals invest time and energy into their pursuits, going beyond what is typically anticipated.
In practice
In a motivational speech about perseverance in achieving goals.
When a magician lets you notice something on your own, his lie becomes impenetrable.
People do not come to a Penn & Teller show to see a magic show. They just don't. They come to see weird stuff that they can see no place else, that will make them laugh and make the little hairs stand up on the backs of their necks.
The silent thing onstage allows for a kind of intimacy that no conversation can have. If I just shut up, we're forced to look at each other and really confront that moment.
Without the aid of trained emotions the intellect is powerless against the animal organism.
My chief study all my life has been to lighten misfortunes and multiply pleasures, as far as human nature can.
Societies in decline have no use for visionaries.
Let not our proposal be disregarded on the score of our youth.
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once.
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