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Indyfan Regular user Calgary, Alberta, Canada 173 Posts |
In hopes that Banachek is still lurking around, I'd like to hear his comments on this as well as anyone else's.
I've just finished reading his book "Psychophysiological Thought Reading", and now that I'm more versed in the art of "mind reading", I'm curious to know if today's spectator's are more skeptical than they used to be, with all the information that is on the internet, books & TV? I ask this, based on my own feelings. I have always been a skeptic in supernatural powers, and even more-so now (hey I do magic, so I know that there's no such thing as that!!), but with all the 'secrets revealed' type stuff (including the exposure of Peter Popoff), has this transferred over to the 'mind reading' art? Most people I show magic to, obviously don't truly believe it was magic, but mentalism is different. Do alot of people still believe it truly IS real, or are there more skeptics out there now?
Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.
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ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
Many people watching mentalism are more likely to believe even though they don't believ in the "supernatural" because there is a psychological factor. When I perform something and I say I will try to influence them psychologically, they tend to believe that more than if I were to make a cane appear out of thin air.
People are more skeptical regarding some effects, on the other hand, the popularity of John Edward and "psychic lines" suggest there are more "believers" as well. How did you like the book?
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
Indyfan Regular user Calgary, Alberta, Canada 173 Posts |
Thanks. When I asked the question, I knew about the John Edwards thing, so I realize there are still alot of people believing in it. However, I just thought there may more people these days being a little more skeptical.
I also realize that mind reading is more of a psychological thing than "magic" or "supernaturaL", but I think my question is still valid. I guess I'm expecting the replies to be "no". But again, I'm just curious for any experiences that prove or disprove it. As for the book, well, let's just say I've just started reading it again. Honestly, it is the first book on mentalism I've read (I also purchased Psychokinetic Silverware, so I am definitely intrigued by all of it). I thought it was a great book. I learned a lot from it, and was inspired by it, to say the least.
Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.
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ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
You are starting with one of the best make no bones about it.
"mind reading" can be supernatural if you present it as such. Absolutely no problem with that (in my opinion as long as it is somewhat clear that you are an entertainer and not trying to come across as a real "psychic" though some people choose to do that anyway). I meant to say in my earlier post that in "some" of my routines and effects I play the "psychological" card because it fits to do so. Sometimes you can't get away with it not looking like a "supernatural" experience.
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
manix Loyal user 242 Posts |
It really depends on what you are asking them to believe.
Will they believe you can actually delve into their mind and read the thoughts flying through? I don't think so. Will they believe that you can use psychological principles and a keen awareness of human behaviour to create the illusion of reading their thoughts? More likely. I am a big fan of Derren Browns approach. |
espmagic Special user 978 Posts |
So, to answer the question: maybe <grin>...after all, there seems to be an inherant gene in the human that requires them/us to have "faith" in something, and that "thing" has to be congruent with our belief system(s). If yu believe in things supernatural, you will find a way to explain it to yourself - if you believe in the scientific method, you will find a way to justify "thought-transference" as some body-language-NLP-etc.
Don't get caught up in the typical mentalist's concern about running when you are not being chased. Just perform, and be entertaining. Talk to Paul, who is labelled as "the greatest mindreader in the world"...he's in your town (of course, you should have known that!) <grin> And I'm just North of you... |
ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
I should visit Canada ...
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
Thoughtreader Inner circle Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1565 Posts |
You should come to Canada and in fact, There will be a special two day mini-convention at the end of May in Calgary, Alberta, Canada featuring some of the best and brightest in mentalism and magic. Watch for further details!
PSIncerely Yours, Paul Alberstat http://www.stores.ebay.ca/Abstagecraft (Look there for the January special deal) |
Megatherion Regular user 146 Posts |
Hi,
You wrote: "I have always been a skeptic in supernatural powers, and even more-so now (hey I do magic, so I know that there's no such thing as that!!)" If you visit an art museum you will see students copying art, their copies are worthless and they know it. A good magician can duplicate most of the parapsycological phenomenons. So what? He can also duplicate most of the miracles from various religions. Yours faithfully Dan Kirsch |
AllThumbs Veteran user UK 375 Posts |
It could be argued that the audiences are more sceptical now...because there are more poor performers around now.
Even the most rational can be left with 'no explanation'. So in a sense their rationality works against some people - which is fine with me. Generally, depending on what timescale you are talking about, of course, generally, people are more sceptical and this is partly because of a more scientific education. But is it a case that just the sceptical have got even more sceptical and everyone else is just as open? It seems this way - the sceptics are just armed with more information nowadays. Regards, Kris Sheglova
The above is all rubbish, except that which you chose to believe
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Lior Inner circle 1961 Posts |
I do many shows all around the world.
Everything is the same. In if you have sceptiks in your show they become very belivers (if you have a good show) I don't care about fooling people or change their mind.My goal is to entertine. One of my tools for doing so is mentalisem. I feel (I, is me and maybe not you ) that you have look real and to make people think that you are real. Most of the magicians are afaried to look real,(and most of them just wants to look clever) and that is the reason that they come ouyt flat Magic=Real Lior 1 A all the way
The Lior Touch
https://1amagic.com/ PEA Dave Lederman Award 2009 PEA Dunninger Award 2001 Life Time Achivmeant IUPA 2016 |
Drewmcadam Inner circle Scotland 1239 Posts |
<<I feel... that you have look real and to make people think that you are real.
Most of the magicians are afraid to look real,(and most of them just want to look clever) and that is the reason that they come ouyt flat>> There is a LOT of sense in this, and I couldn't agree more with the sentiment expressed. |
Lior Inner circle 1961 Posts |
We all have much to learn from the guy near Drew in the picture.
Spend one hour with him and you will become a beleaver. He will give you the true taste of magic. (and I am talking about the strange feelings and and amazment that a lay person get from a spoon bend, nothing to compare with 3 chosen cards eaten by 4 canibal cards, chop chop chop) I see that Geller love you ,Drew he has 317 pictures with you in the magic Café Lior
The Lior Touch
https://1amagic.com/ PEA Dave Lederman Award 2009 PEA Dunninger Award 2001 Life Time Achivmeant IUPA 2016 |
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