“Magic has both feet planted in cheap vaudeville and childish posturing; in dishonesty and therefore not in art.”

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Meaning

The quote argues that magic relies on tricks that are intentionally deceptive, and that this makes it fundamentally different from art. It also dismisses some performances of magic as shallow or childish rather than genuine artistic expression.

When It Was Said

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Who It Was Said To

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Historical Context

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Source

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Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

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About Derren Brown

English mentalist, illusionist, and writer

Derren Brown is an English mentalist, illusionist, and writer. He describes himself as a psychological illusionist, and has built his reputation on stage performances that mix psychology, showmanship, magic, misdirection, suggestion, audience participation, and comedy. His work often targets people who claim supernatural abilities, including faith healers and mediums, with acts designed to show how such claims can be produced. In his live shows, he also explains that his effects come from performance craft rather than paranormal power.

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