5 ms·

How magicians control your mind

26 points by robg 18y ago

blogimus 18y ago
I'm sorry to say I can't help but think of Blaintology.
gunderson 18y ago
that's awesome... my favorite magic trick is this one: http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=1703 http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=1703 The video demo is pretty incredible.
- gecko 18y ago
  The problem with the video demo for this particular trick--indeed, the video demo for virtually ANY trick--is that you're seeing the best-possible performance. Don't get me wrong; I've seen this stunt performed in person, and it's pretty impressive. But I do consider this to be a compendium of best-possible outcomes, with a willing audience and a very skilled magician.
  - gunderson 18y ago
    True he's very good, but the dvd is him teaching how to do it. I'm not as good as he is, but I've fried people with it.
    - icey 18y ago
      We're getting into "Not Hacker News" territory, but if you're into Luke Jermay, I'd recommend checking out Wonder Words; it's got some interesting tools in it. It's a bit dated at this point, but makes for a good foundation. You also have to remember that Kenton used to run around dressed like a wizard.
      - gunderson 18y ago
        Cool I'll check it out.
- mynameishere 18y ago
  Better: http://www.bofunk.com/video/7217/human_saw_trick_revealed.html http://www.bofunk.com/video/7217/human_saw_trick_revealed.ht...
  - gecko 18y ago
    That was one of the most disgusting versions of that trick I've ever seen. Also, given how small the boxes are, one of the more nimble assistants.
jessewmc 18y ago
Interesting topic, but the article is unfortunately almost completely lacking any real information! It's basically a tease. Would be really interesting to see more in depth writing on the subject though.
- michael_dorfman 18y ago
  I agree. I also felt the same way about this TED talk: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/keith_barry_does_brain_magic.html http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/keith_barry_does_brain_ma... It raised the topic in a very entertaining way, but never went beyond that.
- icey 18y ago
  If you're really interested in it, there is a psychology book out there that's actually a great basis for getting started: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini: http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials/dp/006124189X http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Busine... It's marketed as a business / marketing book, but it is probably on the book shelf of every one of the magicians / mentalists that this article refers to.

26 points by robg 18y ago

I'm sorry to say I can't help but think of Blaintology.

that's awesome... my favorite magic trick is this one: http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=1703 http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=1703 The video demo is pretty incredible.

gecko 18y ago
The problem with the video demo for this particular trick--indeed, the video demo for virtually ANY trick--is that you're seeing the best-possible performance. Don't get me wrong; I've seen this stunt performed in person, and it's pretty impressive. But I do consider this to be a compendium of best-possible outcomes, with a willing audience and a very skilled magician.
- gunderson 18y ago
  True he's very good, but the dvd is him teaching how to do it. I'm not as good as he is, but I've fried people with it.
  - icey 18y ago
    We're getting into "Not Hacker News" territory, but if you're into Luke Jermay, I'd recommend checking out Wonder Words; it's got some interesting tools in it. It's a bit dated at this point, but makes for a good foundation. You also have to remember that Kenton used to run around dressed like a wizard.
    - gunderson 18y ago
      Cool I'll check it out.
mynameishere 18y ago
Better: http://www.bofunk.com/video/7217/human_saw_trick_revealed.html http://www.bofunk.com/video/7217/human_saw_trick_revealed.ht...
- gecko 18y ago
  That was one of the most disgusting versions of that trick I've ever seen. Also, given how small the boxes are, one of the more nimble assistants.

jessewmc 18y ago

Interesting topic, but the article is unfortunately almost completely lacking any real information! It's basically a tease. Would be really interesting to see more in depth writing on the subject though.

michael_dorfman 18y ago
I agree. I also felt the same way about this TED talk: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/keith_barry_does_brain_magic.html http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/keith_barry_does_brain_ma... It raised the topic in a very entertaining way, but never went beyond that.
icey 18y ago
If you're really interested in it, there is a psychology book out there that's actually a great basis for getting started: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini: http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials/dp/006124189X http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Busine... It's marketed as a business / marketing book, but it is probably on the book shelf of every one of the magicians / mentalists that this article refers to.