Egypt was the mother of magicians.
—Clement of Alexandria, c. 200Quotes
Once something becomes discernible, or understandable, we no longer need to repeat it. We can destroy it.
—Robert Wilson, 1991I shall curse you with book and bell and candle.
—Thomas Malory, c. 1470Curses are like young chickens, they always come home to roost.
—Robert Southey, 1809Nothing is so easy to fake as the inner vision.
—Robertson Davies, 1985The fact is certain because it is impossible.
—Tertullian, c. 200To blow and to swallow at the same time is not easy; I cannot at the same time be here and also there.
—Plautus, c. 200 BCThe believer in magic and miracles reflects on how to impose a law on nature—and, in brief, the religious cult is the outcome of this reflection.
—Friedrich Nietzsche, 1878Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business.
—Tom Robbins, 1976All things are filled full of signs, and it is a wise man who can learn about one thing from another.
—Plotinus, c. 255Men willingly believe what they wish.
—Julius Caesar, c. 50 BCNothing is so easy as to deceive one’s self; for what we wish, that we readily believe.
—Demosthenes, 349 BCThe fear of the Lord is true wisdom, and he who hath it not can in no way penetrate the true secrets of magic.
—Abraham the Jew, c. 1400