Reveal the Trick, Lose the Magic

In an age of endless "How to" guides, the idea that we might choose to conceal our process feels almost counterintuitive.

Almost counterintuitive. On a deeper level we enjoy marvelling at a completed piece of work without understanding how it was created. This is our childlike nature shining through.

My Dad's mate, Dave, used to visit when I was 2-3 years old and on several occasions he pulled a toy motorbike out of my ear.

This trick bamboozled me for years. My toddler brain wondered, "How did he get the motorbike behind my ear so he could pull it out like that? How did he get it to stay behind my ear without me even feeling it?"

Though the trick was simple, to the small child it created a sense of reverence. Who was this magical person with special powers?

Perhaps revealing the trick is appropriate sometimes, in the interest of passing on a skill or tradition.

On the other hand, sharing too much with too many people dilutes the work. We run the risk of losing the magic. If all of the artists and performers in society lose their magic, we run the risk of losing any sense of mysticism in our culture.

Not every trick needs revealing. Not every process needs documenting. Sometimes the gift we give is wonder itself.