Passage #182: 16 January 2013
Do You Believe in Magic?
It is not a simple question. Either because the idea of magic is so vaguely defined or simply because the nature of belief becomes somewhat malleable around the edges, there are certain contexts in which even the most die hard materialists might find themselves swayed.
Increasing exposure to scientific thought has not necessarily made the notion of magic obsolete, but its realm of operation has perhaps been constrained. The aphorism that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic is as applicable as ever.
Fortunately, we are long past the age when one is likely to be burned at stake for a few minor eccentricities. Nevertheless, many modern practitioners will hedge their bets, quite adamantly professing that what they do is not magic but simply illusion. It is a bit refreshing, then, when someone unabashedly advertise themselves as Magic.
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