Something To Think About

I've been doing a lot of research recently on Houdini. You may or may not be aware that Houdini wasn't the most beloved entertainer of his time. There were those folks who loved him yes, but there were just as many if not more who hated him. I'm in the group that thinks he's great even with all his faults.

I found this story in the Milbourne Christopher bio "Houdini The Untold Story". Houdini apparently had been having a private feud with the editor of The Sphinx Magazine (a popular magical periodical of the time). The editor, Dr. A.M Wilson would either NOT mention Houdini in his columns or would purposely slam Houdini. Here is a quote from one of his columns:

"Magic is an art, a science that requires brains, skill, gentlemanliness and talent of the highest order. Brick Walls, torture cells, straightjackets, handcuffs, etc. demand nothing but physical strength and endurance, nerve, gall, bluster, fakes and fake apparatus, etc. ad libitum, heralded by circus band advertising. In my opinion magic is brought into disrepute by all such. Their place is in the side show or dime museum"

Well one day Houdini ran into Dr. Wilson at the Martinka Magic Shop. As you might expect, words were exchanged and they departed hating each other more than they did before.

What is the purpose of this? For me, I've been in this boat. I know what it's like. And it pretty much sucks for both parties involved. In the magic world today, there are so many little cliches that dislike each other. Whole groups of people that won't even talk to each other. They have their reasons, some of them might even be justified. But wouldn't it be better to agree to disagree than to hold all that animosity inside?

Here is the rest of the Houdini story. A few months after this incident in Martinkas, a mutual friend brought Houdini and Dr. Wilson together during Houdini's tour in Kansas City. Let me quote the book again, "I apologized to Houdini, he made amends" said Dr. Wilson, "Now we are friends as we should have been years ago."

I think there is never a better time to lay aside negativity than right now. I've done it. Hey, there still may be people that you don't particularly care for, but put the negativity behind you, forgive and move forward. If they want no part of it, that's fine, just move on, you did all you can do. Who knows some of those people may turn out to be some of your closest friends. In the long run it's a win win for everyone.