Sunday 4 June 2006

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Yesterday, at the Magic Circle’s annual Collector’s Day, I was watching amazing footage of the legendary American ‘Thought Reader’ Joseph Dunninger: “I don’t read minds - I just read thoughts…”

When discussing his effects, Dunninger (1892-1975) was always enigmatic: neither claiming supernatural powers, not admitting to using magicians’ techniques.

A phrase used at the conclusion of one of his shows struck me as being the key to understanding the nature of all human belief in any of the many mysteries of life from magical trickery to religious faith:

“For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”

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