I’m quite partial to a bit of magic. Quite a lot of the psychologists I know have a passing interest in the subject. I think it’s all part of a fascination with how the mind works: that balance between our willingness to believe the incredible, it only works if you suspend your disbelief, coupled with the side darker side of human nature – our enjoyment and skill at deceiving others. Of course the fun with magic is wondering how it’s done. Even though we know it’s a trick, and even when you know how a trick is done, it’s still entertaining. If you do know what’s happened you get to swap sides as it were and enjoy the experience as the magician would – the pleasure comes from seeing the other people baffled and amazed. I vividly recall watching a magician on a cross-channel ferry; the room shape wasn’t ideal […]
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