What is the art of magic? | Lawrence Hass | TEDxSMU

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Far from tricking people, lying to them, and deceiving them, I suggest that magic is an art form that celebrates impossible things, thereby energizing people to see beyond accepted limits and to imagine new possibilities for transformation. This account of magic performance overturns common misconceptions about magic and helps explain why there have been magicians in every recorded human culture.
Lawrence Hass, Ph.D., is a magician and a philosopher. He is Associate Dean of McBride’s Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas and is Professor of Humanities at Austin College (Sherman, Texas).
Lawrence performs his artistic, inspiring magic at universities, corporate events, theaters, and nightclubs-from coast-to-coast in America and internationally. He performs regularly in Las Vegas and the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
He is also a celebrated teacher of magic and an award-winning author of essays and books about the art, including his international bestseller, Transformations: Creating Magic Out of Tricks (2007).
Dr. Hass’s work as a philosopher-magician has been featured in the New York Times, USAToday, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and on the Discovery Channel.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@TrucosconCartasOfficial]

Excellent video. Talking about a point that even in Magic books is not treated. I love especially the part where you talk about "the impossible" and the desire of the people of wanting to break limits. AWE-INSPIRING. Thank you for sharing this :)

[@WolfgangRiebeInspiringTheWorld]

Thank you for bringing academic insight, respect and meaning in your explanation of our art form. Wonderfully philosophical and so eloquently presented.

[@AbigailMcBride]

Great talk, Dr. Hass! Thought-provoking and fun, all at the same time! Thank you for sharing it with us....

[@sashamagician]

Delightful and respectful. Thank You Professor Hass!

[@cgstonewick4927]

Outstanding presentation! Dr. Hass touches on so many important points on what magic really is and what it ought to be. I was delighted to hear him say what I have always felt but never heard anyone say before..."Magic is hard"! I should also say that after watching Dr. Hass' presentation with my wife, she now understands the craft and her husband just a little bit better than before. And for that Dr. Hass, my deepest thanks!

[@charlesperkins1581]

Larry Hass is a clear thinker and always shares his profound insight into the art and mystery of magic and magicians. Amateurs and professionals alike would do well "to go to the well" from time to time to take inspiration from him. But his real gift to us is that deep within his messages, we all learn more about ourselves and our humanity. I Love listening to him and wish I could more often.

[@aesiryan]

Im a magician who aspires to be a professional and I love this lecture about magic. Beautiful explanation.

[@kurtkunsch7886]

Phenomenal talk, he is eloquent, inspiring and presents the art of magic to a new (hopefully) breed of magicians. Listen to every word and take them to heart young magi!

[@edward2785]

Wonderfully presented, and an excellent reminder to all magicians that bringing joy to others is truly real magic!
Thank you Dr. Hass

[@TufaylMyburgh]

I am so grateful for this, within this new age, so much light has been shed on our art and its amazing that someone finally defined it in such an amazing way.

[@RichardDominguezTheMagicIsReal]

This was wonderful, aside from reminding us and enlightening us to the real magic that magicians have the potential to give our spectators, thank you for reminding me how wonderful, amazing and rewarding is this gift that I have given my life to

[@JuliettaMIND]

Excellent, meaningful perspective on the art of magic! Inspiring presentation! Thank You for sharing your insights!

[@capt.paulwest9499]

Well done Lawrence. Thank you for walking this line.

[@patrickoriley8382]

Magnificent Mr. Hass! Thank you sir!!

[@ericstevens3878]

Love it Larry. Thank you so much for your wise words and enthused state of mind.

[@TheMaurie805]

Wonderful, inspired and inspiring!

[@hanhle9362]

Interesting talk!! Thank you so much, Mr Lawrence Hass. I have learnt a lot from your talk

[@seandoolan3014]

Very inspiring. Magic can be so much more than just tricks

[@wolfwizard406]

Thanks Larry... Very Meaningful.!

[@kotkin74]

excellent talk. thanks a lot

[@monsterbash9758]

Dude looks like Dr. Strange, lol.

[@temptempy1360]

not fear because its small fixed things that cant affected our daily needs. thus the dissonance is a curiosity not panic inducing.

[@DoctorMagick]

Great stuff!

[@davidjohnoconnor7155]

A most eloquent talk Dr Hass that perhaps encourages us to look into ourselves to find and appreciate the magic around us. David J. (down under)

[@Katalyzt]

Interesting...

[@sona5704]

His voice reminds me of Mr. Rogers

[@franklopeziilmtmti603]

Does he remind you of a scholar of Toastmasters? Good job of public speaking and emotional transfer.

[@ninggonmei2016]

Magic is real not trick.. like he performed...

[@amber928]

#SYFERROTHSMAGICK

[@MrLuke814]

Magic is...dead.
-Daniel Madison