James Randi: What Amazes The Amazing Randi? | Big Think

James Randi: What Amazes The Amazing Randi?
New videos DAILY: bigth.ink/youtube
Join Big Think Edge for exclusive videos: bigth.ink/Edge
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What makes the famous skeptic feel awe? Great magic tricks, of course. And sunsets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES RANDI:
James Randi is the founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF). Randi began his career as a magician, but when he retired at age 60, he switched to investigating paranormal, occult, and supernatural claims, which he collectively calls "woo-woo." Although often referred to as a "debunker," Randi rejects that title owing to its perceived bias, instead describing himself as an "investigator". He has written about the paranormal, skepticism, and the history of magic. He was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and is occasionally featured on the television program Penn & Teller: Bullshit!.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSCRIPT:
Question: Have you ever personally been tricked or duped?
James Randi: Well, there’s this one girl, and I don’t want to get into the details. No, you know, the interesting thing is, that since I started this about the age of 12 to 14, I’ve got to know more and more about how people are fooled and how they fool themselves-the two things that magicians must know-I don’t think I’ve ever been fooled by an illusion... although sometimes when I first see it on stage, I’ll say, “Whoa, how about that.” Oh yeah... and I’ll think about it and I’ll say, okay, yes, right. There you go. I will come up with the solution eventually. As a matter of fact, when sitting at a Copperfield show, for example, and he always puts me in the fourth row or so, and I always move a little bit further back if I don’t want to be looking straight up his nose, you see. And what happens is, I’ll sit with a magician friend and we’ll nudge one another at a certain point and say, "Oh wow, how about that!" And people around me will say, how about what? They didn’t see anything happen, see. But we saw the moment of truth you know, when he might have done something like this, or it looks innocuous, but that’s when the thing happened. You see? And we recognize that. That moment of truth is something we spot and the people around don’t. And then when the girl jumps out of the box, they’re all surprised and we knew it all along.
Question: What makes you feel wonder or awe?
James Randi: Well, magic performances in many cases, and particularly some of the young folks that are sort of coming along these days are... particularly in Asia. Oh my goodness. Asia has pretty well taken over the magic business as far as numbers of people. Very, very competent people who are in the business, male and female. They really do a wonderful job.
But I am an old fashioned fuddy-duddy, you see. I stand outside my home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and I could watch a sunset, and my eyes will fill up with tears. They can because that’s nature. And I see... oh, I see a raccoon cross the lawn and stop and look at me and I say hello. And he doesn’t know what I am saying, but he goes on his way and he does his thing. That’s wonderful. These are little things that I still take great joy... and I like seeing the world and how it works. That’s why... one reason why these people who try to sell us a false bill of goods about how the world really works, and how really wonderful it is. Oh my, I can’t stand that. I just find myself repelled by that idea and I want to drag kids out into the sunset and say, take a look at that, or a sunrise even better. At my age, you appreciate sunrises more than sunsets. You see?
But I’ve had... I have a very good quality of telescope, for example, at my home in Plantation, Florida. And I’ll get out the tripod to show some guest, oh if Jupiter is up there, or whatever, or the Moon, or Andromeda if it happens to be in a good aspect. I’ll show them that. And kids come back on bicycles and stop and say, “Whatcha doin?” And they look in there and they... "What’s that." "That’s the planet Jupiter. And you know how far away it is?" And they’ll say, "Oh yeah, really?" And then I’ll show them Andromeda and I’ll say, "Now that’s not the way it looks now. No? No, that’s the way it looked quite a few million years ago. The light is just reaching us now." And when you see them go, "Oh," you know you’ve made a hit. That’s important. And if that kid comes by with a girlfriend the next day on another bike, "Can we see your telescope?" I’ve won a battle right there. That’s important. You’ve got to get the kids, you’ve got to get to them and say, “Take a look at this. This may surprise you.” And if you can do that and be successful at it, oh that makes my day, if not a week.

[@bigthink]

Want to get Smarter, Faster? Subscribe for DAILY videos: bigth.ink/GetSmarter

[@thenekom]

The last part is SPOT ON! I have a 6 year old daughter, and it fills me with immense joy to watch her learn. We have a telescope, she's raised toads from tadpoles and watched caterpillars become butterflies and moths. Children are our future, and we're wise to educate them and expose them to all of the arts and sciences.

[@ArthArmani]

No wonder he is called Amazing Randi, really amazing guy, hates liars and scamers who trick people.. has good humor, really nice and smart guy! rest in peace Randi, and we need more people like you!

[@mplsmark222]

I am sad to say I really didn’t know of Mr. Randi until recently. What a great man ! Thankfully we have these videos, his wisdom is here for all to take in. His work calling out and exposing dishonest charlatans was a such noble cause. Thank you an may you Rest In Peace Mr Randi.

[@MasterMoose04]

I wish I had a guy like Randi in my neighborhood

[@lorenpetermartens5524]

+Peter Tran Great thought, do it! Just gotta get a telescope. Doesn't have to be a big one. ;-) The key, of course, is to encourage curiosity and a desire to learn. Many ways of doing that. Still, I do understand - he'd be a great guy to have around.

[@Sakura13kohime]

Sunsets are absolutely gorgeous. For me it's a sunset over the sea. Words cannot describe. I imagine watching the earth from space for the very first time brings similar emotions, if not stronger.

[@mishunman]

LadyCassandra Emerald sounds like a lot of rhetoric. Words can describe the sunset: earth's axial rotation.

[@chad-wyck]

What a fantastic man.

[@MrMathjunky]

The best ❤

[@gotohellfast]

"At my age you apprise sunrises more then sunsets...." Hahahaha, wonderful !

[@McfarlandDavid]

he is always telling little shit jokes. it's a method of distraction

[@samarth3957]

@@McfarlandDavid what?

[@triple_x_r_tard]

@@McfarlandDavid hahahahaha

[@sebastian6736]

What a great man. We need more people like him around. Instead of seeking for entertainment all the time, people should listen to people like him more often, it could really make a difference.

[@AddamSantana]

The best Big Think video I've seen so far!!!! Love this channel!! thank you for effecting my life and making me more aware of the world around me!!!!!

[@natanmandala]

It's the little things that are so big, we just don't stop to appriciate them. Be thankful for the little stuff is what I always have to remind myself of all the time, because it's all we got really.

[@CircuitDruid]

Appreciating the tricks, appreciating the moment and what is there within it with you, and teaching young things how to impress the girls with cool science. you sir, are a true artist.

[@CorndogMaker]

I remember when I was a kid and I first learned that we are only seeing the stars as they were millions of years ago. That small fact blew my mind and astronomy continues to fascinate me every day.

[@ZootWorld1]

Thank you James for everything you've taught.

[@ZombieHoard]

I respect this man. What a wonderful thing the internet can be that I can find wisdom and inspiration. My children and I will benefit greatly because of this man. Thank you.

[@lollertoaster]

Thank you, culture we are living in, for making me feel wrong about old people inviting kids to come over to show them the beauty of the world. Well appreciated.

[@Skinz01]

Hi, this is the culture you are living in. Sorry about that but you see, we've got to keep the levels of fear high, If you're not constantly worried, then we're worried that you might be pondering things like: "Why are we invading that country I haven't heard about until now?" or even more worrying "Why exactly do we have to work 40 hours every week?" It's much better we keep you pre-occupied with less important things.

[@lollertoaster]

Skinz01 Go away, america! You are not my country!

[@rexluminus9867]

@@Skinz01 Age old truth. Well said. 😂

[@MrMathjunky]

Randi invited my dad and I to lunch a few times when I was a kid, it had a lasting impact on me 😊

[@Swordfishstick]

That's beautifully expressed - the sense of joy and wonder at the natural world, and feeding the natural curiosity we have with things that are real, real and truly amazing. Regrettably often skeptics are missperceived as grumpy, cynical people. Nothing could be further from the truth - such misconceptions are dispelled immediately if you engage with the skeptical community. There's a real hunger for understanding, and an underlying sense of awe at the world as revealed by science.

[@TheUnchainedMind]

I have so much respect for this man. When I look at him I see who I wish to become, the goal I want to reach.

[@logicreality1]

I dont understand this comment - I was in the UK recently and the standard of living is the highest I've ever seen. Lovely houses, beautiful towns, cities and countryside. Lots of interesting history with friendly people. I'd love to live there. They have a wonderful free health service with totally free dentistry too. The citizens of the UK are really cared for. Not like here in the US. No Sir.

[@TheMasterHippy]

It was the Carl Sagan Cosmos series that sparked my need for more answers and appreciation for science. I just wish I had discovered it even sooner. Perhaps in an imaginary class I'm going to name(Reasoning Skills, or Free Thinking) in early high school

[@ardaorhan]

these people are the ones who move the humanity forward

[@OgreWorld]

This man is the key to making boring lectures amusing and interesting! He blows you away with wisdom and at the same time makes jokes.

[@Hellraiser5901]

Randi is one of the greatest minds we have alive today. he parallels with Richard Dawkins and a few others. he also parallels with Darwin and Einstein and even Galileo. keep up the good work mr randi. plus he has put out a reward of a million dollars ( dont know if its still up for grabs ) to anyone who can read minds.

[@TheBlueorigami]

I just found out about James Randi a few minutes ago, and with each successive video I watch I like him more and more. And the best part? In this video he says that HE LIVES IN MY CITY. :D Now I'm going to be keeping a special eye out for a charming old man with a legendary white beard everywhere I go!

[@lorenpetermartens5524]

Truly, the Amazing Randi. Here's someone who understands life in all its glorious splendor. Gotta love ya!

[@ThousandManx]

Such a quick witted man seriously even that old he's sharp as ever

[@psstheyyou]

This made me cry. I never thought I'd hear a shred of humility from Gramps.

[@rexluminus9867]

Yes Randy, the. 🔮Magic of Life . Thank you.

[@Sal1981]

He's right in that it's a battle. Because the peddlers of ignorance will enslave the minds of people from an early age.

[@LABreaINC]

He's a great soul.

[@RoadRunnerLaser]

There are very few people in the "public eye" that I admire and would like to meet. James Randi is at the top of that list. I wish I'd known him when I was a kid but I consider myself lucky to have grown up with people like him, Carl Sagan and Neil DeGrasse Tyson on TV.

[@nightbloomingvids]

When I was 12 I read that Mr. Randi offered a million dollar reward for proof of paranormal abilities in a lab environment. That offer had been on the table since before I was born and never claimed. It made me think about things I thought were real in a different way and for that, I will always thank him for starting me on the path of independent and critical thought.

[@BrianSmith-yq7ys]

I think if you presented Jesus he wouldn’t have passed the testing either

[@FreeFireFull]

I wish I could see the Milky Way with my own eyes, but sadly light pollution makes that pretty much impossible.

[@theguy9208]

jesus. how hard is it to drive away from large towns? i could see the milky way on the shore of lake erie, the only thing is all the pictures you see are lying, theyre all long exposure shots because in reality the milky way is fairly faint but still easy to see.

[@theguy9208]

also i should mention lake erie is an hours drive from the nearest big city

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

I'm living too far north :( I live in the country, no problems with light pollution, and we often have crystal clear skies because though we're fairly close to the sea, the predominant winds and moisture come from the west and I'm near as far east as we can go without getting very wet! But despite the times I've looked, with or without a telescope, I've never seen it "live". We did get the arbora borealis one night though. We're usually just a bit too south but the lights turned on that one time. Beautiful!

[@rexluminus9867]

Go out to the country side sometimes and you'll see the milky way.

[@terrypussypower]

@@y_fam_goeglyd You can see the Milky Way from anywhere on the planet, as long as there's no light pollution or cloud cover.

[@philosophicalreason]

Most people know magic is fake but we all enjoy it as entertainment,that being said a quote I love bringing up from Arthur C. Clarke is"Any substationably advanced technology is indistinguishable between magic".

[@MrShinobiguy]

I could listen to this guy talk forever

[@jpsned]

I agree, looking into the sky with a telescope is an awe-inspiring thing.

[@GrimTheCrow]

@OgreWorld I had a math teacher who reminds me of him. When there was something i didnt understand, he allways started with the beginning, who found out, what method was used, what we know it can be used for today. And now i love math...

[@theananyo]

*"You gotta get to kids. You gotta get to them, and say, "Take a look at this. This may surprise you." And a few of them do that, and be successful at it- ohh that makes my day, if not a week."* - James Randi

[@mikemerriott1326]

He's absolutely right, 3:58 you've got to get to kids. Otherwise some charlatan with a book will. What i would give to be related to this man. Truly a hero we need.

[@McfarlandDavid]

what amazes him is nature and sunsets. We are so amazed by things we don't really understand.

[@alexedsell8138]

never met the guy and hes one of my favorite people. awesome person. and doesnt bullshit or believe it either.

[@mattschenk4841]

i love seeing the world and how it looks too!

[@zizkazenit7885]

The universe is full of magic, just a very different kind of magic than what psychics and religions talk about.

[@holllllllsysysysysys]

I adore this man.

[@dollarrecordswithjosh795]

I absolutely LOVE James Randi and all of his important work, but at the risk of being insensitive, when asking him a question like "Have you ever been duped?" Unfortunately he has been - by his own husband. Happily things turned out alright and it is a wonderful love story. Keep kicking ass, Randi!!!!

[@jonathanking8800]

Even in his documentary he states that he knew about it all along. He wasn't duped at all.

[@AwkwardlyAverage]

What an absolutely brilliant person.

[@thebeany]

Listening to this makes me want to go watch the sunrise and sunset, then go talk to a racoon. And then think "How does the world work?" "How does the universe work?" "What is the scientific explaination?"

[@veronicats100]

Indeed he is one of the great men of our time. Too bad not many people know this, and most likely even if they did they would not understand him.

[@gothicskulls]

2:48 had to pause for laughing he is such a great man

[@HansonProMusic]

I saw a speaker who was talking about the ability of crystals on a bracelet to help with the rotation of a persons back and she said 'I am a skeptic and...' During the question and answer period I asked her, as a skeptic, if she was aware of James Randi. She said 'no, who is he?' I recommended she look him up.

[@CosmicNeonNeko]

Oh, how I love this guy! :,)

[@fleshanthos]

Fantastic man.

[@DavidDarmoty]

He and Michio Kaku are, i think, the best

[@Mallory-Malkovich]

And yet here you are, engaging with it. Couldn't have been that boring if you felt the need to spurt your wisdom on the comment section. Think of the hours of entertainment I've given you as you tried to put those four sentences together. You should be so proud of yourself! Keep at it, little buddy!

[@dunmer2007]

And you can find them here on youtube!

[@scales251]

That opening XD

[@mikepen3477]

it's groucho marx!

[@michelebush3853]

Speaking of "I AM" in my first post, there is a wonderful documentary with the same title "I AM". I believe M r. James Randi would enjoy it as would many others. It has a very good message about enjoying Nature and The Earth. The Director of many Jim Carey movies had a "Ah Ha" moment in life and realized there is no value in material things. Check it out!

[@lynnjacobs9885]

Amazed by nature!!!

[@Jubs211]

Awww... he cries at sunsets, I cry at his telescope story.

[@HammerDownDriver]

shit man, this was so good, almost got me all tear eyed.

[@Alex_1729]

"...and we knew it all along." ahahahha that look!

[@ekner]

I think we already have at least one good candidate for it. While he isn't a magician, he is a truly excellent person. It's Adam Savage.

[@wikiwikiwee1]

Science and magic hand in hand. Wonderousc

[@karthadastim]

This guy is amazing

[@Bakazuraz]

Imagine what this guy could have done if he became a researcher or an inventor. I hope he lives to be 200.

[@duvanok3277]

I love this man!

[@jeffnaslund]

Wish I had known him. He lived in south Florida in the same county

[@daleincisions]

he must be a great professor! wonderful mind

[@justingutube]

Love this dude.

[@raulandj]

what an amazing person

[@KillingOnAdrenaline]

It largely depends on what "telescope" you tried to show them

[@RecollectMusic]

This Mogley guy makes me smile.

[@NiTheGod]

finally someone in my text book that is still alive

[@DrakeMagnum]

I would love to shake Randi's hand. He's an inspiration.

[@Marc9510]

How many weeks did he make with this talk?

[@waldoman7]

you mean the name the romans gave it which was adapted by english and possibly most western cultures

[@demonorse]

Yeah, I like this guy...

[@Aiser56]

agreed : ) bless you! may you have eternal happiness...

[@IronicAtheist]

What you are referring to is REPRESSING not CHANGING it. It's like in that movie Kung Fu Panda where the turtle said how "You can plant the seed ANYWHERE but you cannot make an apple tree seed become a peach tree seed". You did not choose to dislike chocolate, you just tricked your body into losing taste for it, there is a difference. The same does not apply if you repress your sexuality, you do not suddenly like another sexuality, you will only cause severe mental issues by doing that :l

[@DE0DAT1989]

James Randi reminds me of my Grandpa haha.

[@Leukodystrophy]

Me too! :D

[@dfghjkuytr]

and my grandmother. Wise and a bit hairy

[@mangar49]

you are right

[@SomeAnimeOtaku]

Oh I love this guy xD

[@TritoneChris]

Thank evolution for the Amazing James Randi!

[@ghuegel]

I wonder how Randi would have done on Penn & Teller's Fool Us. He seems to be claiming that he would have figured them all out... I'm skeptical of that claim.

[@Nosferdamus]

DesignAodh he doesn't have to, it's an opinion.

[@atomwolf7115]

***** Just because it's "your opinion" doesn't make it right. All he had to do was a little bit of research.

[@Nosferdamus]

Atom Wolf that's not the point of an opinion. an opinion doesn't have to be right, it's an opinion. in my opinion graphics don't make the game, storyline does. however, statistics show that a majority of people do not follow this opinion of mine, and therefore games which are more marketable will have better graphics. in my opinion altruism is a more desirable outlook on life, however when a person is altruistic they tend to be taken advantage of and easily mocked, making it hard to keep friends and not seem like a pushover. In my opinion the Bilderberg group is a necessary evil because when you have the power to make decisions that effect a populace your decisions should both be for the greater good of all while also being profitable to the economy, and the only way for both those goals to be reached is if they are able to network with people who run businesses to make sure that the economy will survive; and the only way to make sure that the economy stays intact in that regards is to network with people in the higher echelon of the private sector in a safe place away from the media's attention, to ensure that context is not skewed.

[@gspahr]

He is truly amazing, I wish to become a cool grandpa like him someday. (unfortunately I wasn't born with a white beard)

[@kroschfoenigin]

Long live Mr Randi. I do love the old bugger, for he speakes the truth =) May long life and fine things be heaved upon him, he is so deservant of happiness...

[@segundooron]

What a wonderful man.

[@Raynecoats]

yes

[@Aiser56]

Very true...

[@salasvalor01]

Try Daniel Dennett.

[@Oblic008]

Goddamn, I love this guy...

[@hihunter7]

Rest in peace, legend

[@Limubi1]

Oh this guy's just brill.

[@tonywhee]

What amazes me? James Randi. What a delight.

[@BasicGestalt]

"take a look at this, this might surprise you." lol

[@icecoldjam96]

yes it is.

[@legacy917]

What a truly beautiful person.

[@hassaanpasha7275]

So fucking awesome, this guy.

[@Videosaurus_Wrex]

that just made my day, thanks for the great laugh

[@bigthink]

Glad it did, Lily!

[@neonskyline1]

Scientists have to agree, that the Universe, is MAGIC !