The profession of magician, is one of the most perilous and arduous specializations of the imagination. On the one hand there is the hostility of God and the police to be guarded against; on the other it is as difficult as music, as deep as poetry, as ingenious as stage-craft, as nervous as the manufacture of high explosives, and as delicate as the trade in narcotics.

Summary

This quote suggests that being a magician is a risky and demanding profession that requires immense skill and creativity. The mention of the hostility of God and the police implies that magicians are often met with skepticism and opposition. Comparisons to various disciplines such as music, poetry, stage-craft, explosives manufacturing, and narcotics trade emphasize the complexity, intensity, and fragility involved in the practice of magic. Overall, this quote highlights the challenging nature of being a magician, suggesting that only those with remarkable imagination and dedication can succeed in this field.

Topics