My Brain is the key that sets me free.
Harry HoudiniRead
An old trick well done is far better than a new trick with no effect.
Interpretation
Experience and mastery of old skills can be more valuable than new, unproven methods.
This quote by Harry Houdini suggests that having a deep understanding and proficiency in established techniques can yield better results than experimenting with new and untested approaches. It emphasizes the importance of experience, skill, and effectiveness over novelty, encouraging individuals to value what has been tried and tested over what might merely appear innovative but lacks substance.
In practice
A motivational speech at a training session to emphasize the importance of mastering core skills.
My Brain is the key that sets me free.
But then, so far as I know, I am the only performer who ever pledged his assistants to secrecy, honor and allegiance under a notarial oath.
Keep up your enthusiasm! There is nothing more contagious than exuberant enthusiasm.
Never tell the auidience how good you are, they will soon find out for themselves.
I make the most money, I think, in Russia and Paris, for the people of those countries are so willing to be amused, so eager to see something new and out of the ordinary.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
There are three sorts of pleasures which are advantageous, and three which are injurious. Finding pleasure in the discriminating study of ceremonies and music, finding pleasure in discussing the good points in the conduct of others, and finding pleasure in having many wise friends, these are advantageous. But finding pleasure in profligate enjoyments, finding pleasure in idle gadding about, and finding pleasure in feasting, these are injurious.
Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind - listen to the birds. And don't hate nobody.
Without doubt, the most common weakness of all human beings is the habit of leaving their minds open to the negative influence of other people.
Nothing can temper the spirit of a warrior as much as the challenge of dealing with impossible people in positions of power. Only under those conditions can warriors acquire the sobriety and serenity to withstand the pressure of the unknowable.
Control what you can control. Don't lose sleep worrying about things that you don't have control over because, at the end of the day, you still won't have any control over them.
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