I love amazing people. I love dazzling them. That's why I think performing magic is one of the greatest things a person can do.
Interpretation
Performing magic allows one to create wonder and joy in others, showcasing a love for people and creativity.
In this quote, Ricky Jay expresses his passion for magic and the joy it brings not only to himself but also to those who witness it. He sees performing magic as an extraordinary art form that empowers individuals to dazzle and inspire, reinforcing the notion that making others feel amazed is one of the most valuable contributions one can offer to the world.
In practice
During a talent show, I shared this quote to inspire others to pursue their passions in performance arts.
Dai Vernon, the greatest sleight of hand figure in the history of the art, rarely performed. But he invented magic and had an enormous influence on the whole range of sleight of hand. And so often, the magic he was doing was to fool other magicians.
I'm much more interested in lesser-known eccentrics and characters and performers. Like Matthew Buchinger, who was born in Germany in 1674, had no arms or legs and yet did magic, and had 14 kids, and made the most extraordinary calligraphy.
For me, the most exciting thing is to create good magic that's entertaining for an audience, and it would be lovely if a magician was fooled as well.
Like every art form, there are jealousies and angers and competitiveness in magic. But there's camaraderie among magicians, whether you perform it for a living or you're an enthusiast.
I grew up like Athena β covered with playing cards instead of armor β and, at the age of seven, materialized on a TV show, doing magic.
I'm lucky enough to be able to make only movies I'm interested in seeing. That has to be an instinctive thrust. The audience knows when you're faking it. They can hang any kind of moniker they want on me.
Every authentic work of art is a gift offered to the future.
Art isn't only a painting. Art is anything that's creative, passionate, and personal. And great art resonates with the viewer, not only with the creator.
Where would fashion be without literature?
Actors are the only honest hypocrites.
Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer.
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