In the insular world of magic, the ability to deceive is the most prized attribute of all. It takes training and skill, but it also relies on exploiting human psychology. Science journalist Alex Stone has been obsessed with magic since he was five, but when he wrote a revealing article about the Magic Olympics, he was kicked out of his society. Now he's written a book and joins us to talk about the subculture of magicians and how the mechanics of our brains make us susceptible to illusion.
Guest:
Alex Stone has written for Harper’s, Discover, Science, and the Wall Street Journal. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in English and has a masters degree in physics from Columbia University. He grew up in Wisconsin, Texas, and Spain. He currently lives in New York City. His book is called Fooling Houdini: Magicians, Mentalists, Math Geeks, and the Hidden Powers of the Mind
How about a card trick to get you in the mood?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tScm-eZInBE
Music:
- Feist, Honey Honey
- Dave Cofell, Haunted Banjo
- Crystal Castles, Magic Spells
