Thinking Like a Magician -"Wonder" - May, 2007

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On my recent trip to Oregon, I was fortunate to spend time with my friend Jerry Andrus. Jerry is a legend in many fields - magic, skepticism, optical illusions... the list goes on and on. The first time I met Jerry, in 1999, it was clear to me that he has an incredible perspective on the world. He is one of those rare souls who is able to see the wonder in everything. In fact, it's that wonder that led him to create hundreds of magic tricks and optical illusions. He also has written thousands of pages of free verse and poetry that speaks to his incessant fascination with both the world around us and our own minds. Even now, at the age of 89 and dealing with terminal cancer, he is constantly noticing bits of wonder in the world and sharing his observations with those around him. It's simultaneously a very exciting and a very humbling experience to be with Jerry. He reminds me that I, most of the time, am missing amazing things happening around me because I'm too busy noticing the inconveniences. It's his attitude that carries him forth, and every day I strive to take note of the wonder around me.

Note: I'm sad to report that Jerry died on August 25th, 2007. The world is a brighter place for his life and a darker place for his absence.