For Good Reason

My Start in Magic and Skepticism

James Randi

James Randi describes his start in magic, and early experiences he had that inspired him toward skepticism, including mentalism shows when audience members believed him to be psychic, and sought financial advice. He talks about early predictions of his death. He relates the profound effect that the undue credulity of his audiences early in his career had on him. He also recounts the episode when he was in his late teens and arrested for disrupting a church service in Toronto when the spiritual leader used magic tricks in the service to inspire belief among the congregants. And he talks about why he feels magicians should become more active in the skeptical movement.

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