My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion, and many things that seem wonderful to most men are the every-day commonplaces of my business.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Houdini describes his career as full of disillusionment, noting that impressive feats are routine to him.
- In plain terms
- My career has been disappointing; amazing tricks are normal to me.
- What can you take from it?
- Extraordinary feats become mundane with repetition.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does mastery reduce wonder?
- How does work change perspective?
Another view
It focuses on the performer rather than the audience's wonder.
More from Harry Houdini
My business has given me an intimate knowledge of stage illusions, together with many years of experience among show people of all types.
Permalink to quote #20 No performer should attempt to bite off red-hot iron unless he has a good set of teeth.
Permalink to quote #22 It is still an open question, however, as to what extent exposure really injures a performer.
Permalink to quote #19
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