When a magician lets you notice something on your own, his lie becomes impenetrable.
TellerRead
People do not come to a Penn & Teller show to see a magic show. They just don't. They come to see weird stuff that they can see no place else, that will make them laugh and make the little hairs stand up on the backs of their necks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of a Penn & Teller show is not just magic, but the unique, entertaining, and surreal experience they provide.
This quote emphasizes that the appeal of a Penn & Teller performance goes beyond traditional magic; it is rooted in delivering bizarre, memorable experiences that elicit laughter and astonishment. The duo's artistry lies in their ability to create a distinctive atmosphere that captivates audiences and leaves them with lasting impressions, which is what draws people in rather than the mere spectacle of magic tricks.
Themes
MagicPerformanceEntertainmentHumorExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity, you could reference how Penn & Teller redefine what a magic show can be.
More from Teller
All quotes →The silent thing onstage allows for a kind of intimacy that no conversation can have. If I just shut up, we're forced to look at each other and really confront that moment.
TellerRead
Sometimes, magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect.
TellerRead
Similar quotes
I knew the exuberance of playing before an admiring audience and hearing my secret voice.
Elia KazanRead
The reason I play music is to touch people - for selfish reasons, as well. It feels good to make someone else feel something, whether it's a kiss, a painting, good idea or it's a song.
Dave MatthewsRead
Each color lives by its mysterious life.
Wassily KandinskyRead
There are two men inside the artist, the poet and the craftsman. One is born a poet. One becomes a craftsman.
Emile ZolaRead
Beauty is something wonderful and strange that the artist fashions out of the chaos of the world in the torment of his soul.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
I could hear it sometimes, but I couldn't play it. I'd been getting bored with the stereotyped changes that were being used. I found that by using the higher intervals of a chord as a melody line and backing them with related changes, I could play the thing I'd been hearing.
Charlie ParkerRead