Has mentalism stooped this low?
14th of December 2025
There's a mentalist we all know, appearing in every TV-show at the moment. Blatantly lying that he doesn't use magic, but that he can actually 'read' your mind using body language and such horseshit. Without blinking an eye. Like some sort of a sociopath.
Where is the line? Or is there even a line?
I wouldn't feel comfortable lying to millions of people, knowing that what I say vs what I actually do, makes me an actual fraud. A charlatan. I hope you wouldn't either.
Mentalism isn't some kind of a sacred art form that justifies that kind of behavior.
Even if a huge bunch of beta males on a power trip keep on reciting it to each other wherever and whenever they congregate.
The funniest part is that, these people keep explaining how mentalism is somehow more difficult than magic, and how the art of mentalism need to be kept from those who don't yet deserve to secretly read a fucking word on a piece of paper.
When in actuality this is the level of the game, if I remember correctly, the top-dog mentalist explained how he was able to guess somebody's favorite movie: because they looked up when they were asked to concentrate on it.
Are you fucking kidding me.
Like seriously.
I use some pseudo-explanations when performing effects, but everybody knows that what I do is magic. And I always make a point that what they are seeing is just an illusion.
I've come to a point in my life that I would actually be ashamed to try an pass it off as real thing.
If you're actually honest about your dishonesty, I'll give you a pass. It just seems hard for people to be; it's much more fun to pretend that you have some powers others don't.
To finish this off I can't but help to give a presentational idea for mentalists. Howabout when you read the title of the movie when you tear your business card to pieces, for no reason — you think that what is actually written on it. Maybe you could actually say something like, "You look like a man who enjoys movies that challenge you. Movies that make you question reality. Movies that fuck with your mind. You first saw this film a long time ago, but yet it's still as relevant to you as ever. You might also be a guy that enjoys women in black leather outfits. Is your favorite movie The Matrix?" instead of, "Oh you blinked your eyes. You're favorite movie must be Fast and Furious part 6. Not 5 but 6."
Blink twice if you're held hostage by a shitty mentalist.
- Max Arcanie