Magic is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and much of its enchantment is said to rely on the audience not knowing how the tricks are done. However, while magicians swear to keep their secrets forever when they embark on their profession, they are happy to share the tricks of their trade in certain circumstances, a new study shows.
Magic is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and much of its enchantment is said to rely on the audience not knowing how the tricks are done. However, while magicians swear to keep their secrets forever when they embark on their profession, they are happy to share the tricks of their trade in certain circumstances, a new study shows.
Illusionists who took part in major new research thought it was OK to expose their own techniques, but not those invented by others, and also believe it is acceptable to reveal the secrets behind tricks invented by someone who has since died.
They didn’t think it was right to share the workings of a magic trick just to gain public visibility, but thought it was acceptable to share their secrets if they were being paid for their knowledge.
Exposing secrets was seen as more acceptable when it was done to promote good, such as enhancing well-being, undertaking scientific research or protecting the public from fraud.
