Thinking About Magic

Ronald Hayden

On the potential of the most wasted art.



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Magic is an art filled with potential for great things. Long ago it actually met its potential, making a few practitioners powerful forces in their tribe and giving people a sense of control over their destiny. In the 19th century, it gave people a sense of what was to come in the technological revolution; magicians embodied the personal power that would soon belong to the common citizen thanks to the scientists working in the next building.

Then a funny thing happened. Magic stopped, and the rest of the world kept going. Jet planes crossed the country, ICBMs crossed the world, oppressed minorities began to have their day, and magicians kept pulling rabbits out of hats.

From a sublime art to a singing telegram in fifty years.

It doesn't have to be.

Copyright © 1998 Ronald J. Hayden. All rights reserved.


ron@deadron.com