“The Stoics appear during a huge time of constant wars and real political strife. And it became very popular, I think, because it's a way of distancing yourself from strife and keeping your centre of gravity within you.”

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.