“There is a world of difference between a spectator’s not knowing how something’s done versus his knowing that it can’t be done.”
— Simon Aronson
Magic isn’t just about fooling people—it’s about creating a moment where the impossible becomes real. Simon Aronson’s words capture the heart of what makes magic more than just a puzzle. If an audience doesn’t know how a trick is done, they may remain curious. But if they know that what they just witnessed cannot be possible, that’s when true astonishment happens.
As a magician performing in Lansdale, North Wales, and Willow Grove, I see both types of reactions. Sometimes people watch closely, trying to figure things out. Other times, they simply give in to the magic, their eyes wide with disbelief. That second reaction—the moment when the mind stops trying to solve and simply experiences wonder—is what makes magic truly powerful.
What It Means for Magicians
For magicians, the goal is never just to “trick” an audience. The real art of magic lies in making them feel something—excitement, awe, even a sense of impossibility. To do that, we don’t just conceal the method; we construct an experience that leaves no room for explanation.
At a recent show in Willow Grove, I performed a card routine where the chosen card appeared inside a sealed envelope that had been in an audience member’s pocket the entire time. If someone had simply lost track of the card, they might assume I used sleight of hand to switch it. But when they realize that the card couldn’t have traveled there—because it was sealed away long before they even chose one—that’s when the real magic happens.
Aronson’s quote reminds us that wonder isn’t created through deception, but through conviction. The stronger the experience, the less people focus on the how and the more they believe in the what.
What It Means for the Audience
For the audience, this distinction is what separates a fun puzzle from a mind-blowing experience. When someone sees a trick and thinks, “I don’t know how that’s done,” their mind immediately tries to solve it. But when they think, “That can’t be done,” their perspective shifts. They let go of logic for a moment and step into a world where anything is possible.
At a school event in North Wales, I saw this firsthand. I performed an illusion where a solid ring passed through a rope in a seemingly impossible way. A few kids immediately started whispering theories about how I did it. But one student simply stared at me and said, “That’s not possible.” That’s the reaction I strive for—not curiosity, but amazement.
Magic, at its best, doesn’t just hide the truth—it creates a new reality, even if only for a moment.
Everyday Magic: Seeing Beyond Logic
Simon Aronson’s quote doesn’t just apply to magic—it’s a lesson in how we approach life. Here are a few ways we can all embrace the mindset of wonder and possibility:
- Challenge Your Own Limits
- In Magic: A magician aims to break expectations, making the impossible happen.
- In Life: We often tell ourselves, “I can’t do that.” But what if we challenged that belief? Whether learning a new skill, changing careers, or setting a bold goal, sometimes the limits we see aren’t real—they just feel real.
- Suspend Disbelief Once in a While
- In Magic: The best tricks happen when an audience stops analyzing and simply experiences the moment.
- In Life: Instead of overanalyzing every situation, let yourself embrace experiences as they come. Watch a sunset without taking a photo. Enjoy a conversation without planning your next response.
- Think Bigger
- In Magic: The most astonishing tricks are the ones where the audience knows something shouldn’t be possible.
- In Life: What if you aimed for something so ambitious it felt unrealistic? Many of the world’s greatest achievements started as ideas that seemed impossible.
- Create Moments of Wonder for Others
- In Magic: A great magician makes people believe in something magical, even if only for a moment.
- In Life: Surprise a friend with an unexpected act of kindness, share an incredible fact with someone, or simply take a moment to appreciate the everyday wonders around you.
- Accept That Some Things Don’t Need an Explanation
- In Magic: The best moments aren’t the ones where people figure it out—they’re the ones where they stop trying to.
- In Life: Not everything needs to be understood to be appreciated. Love, art, beauty, and human connection are all magical in their own ways.
Wrapping Up: The Magic of Possibility in Lansdale, North Wales, and Willow Grove
Simon Aronson’s quote reminds us that real magic isn’t just about mystery—it’s about shifting the way people see the world. Whether I’m performing for families in Lansdale, bringing illusions to an event in North Wales, or creating moments of astonishment in Willow Grove, I aim to give audiences more than just a trick. I want to give them a feeling—that sense of wonder that lingers long after the show ends.
When was the last time you experienced something that made you stop and say, “That can’t be possible”? Let’s keep creating those moments—one magical experience at a time.
