TEDxSanJoseCA - Kim Silverman, PhD - Making Magic Meaningful

Principal Research Scientist at Apple
Dr. Kim Silverman is Principal Research Scientist at Apple. His Ph.D. is from Cambridge University, and his post-doctoral research was conducted at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey. By night Dr. Silverman studies the more "esoteric" arts. He is a president of the Society of American Magicians (Palo Alto), and a Magician Member of the Academy of Magical Arts, better known as the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Drawing from his backgrounds in science, technology, and cognitive psychology, Kim strives to move the performance of magic from mere presentation of "tricks" to a deeper and more meaningful affirmation of human life. His presentation will demonstrate this with some of his award-winning signature pieces.
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[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Magic teaches us that sometimes the unexpected happens. Sometimes we are so sure that a sequence of events could only ever turn out one way -- and usually we are not very happy about that expected outcome. But then something comes along that changes the situation in ways we never anticipated, that we never would have imagined possible. Magic reminds us that: life is full of surprises.

[@SudarsanVirtualPro]

I truly believe in magic no matter what the others say because I use magic in my life and I am not afraid to share with the whole world.

[@ZombieHitler]

Rock on, Warlock!

[@milinaanilim8774]

? I am really curious!!! really???

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Yes, I am a magician. But so are you. Magic is about transformation. You have the power within you to bring about the transformations you need in your life. I merely do this stuff to remind you of that.

[@SudarsanVirtualPro]

@@DrMerlochSilvermaine Thank you

[@wingnutmcspazatron3957]

Good man! We need more confident, faithful people like you around.

[@markp7536]

One of the more enjoyable TEDx talks I've watched. Kudos to Dr. Silverman!

[@lokionthelowkey9664]

He is truly a wise Wizard, capturing an entire audience cunningly, and imparting Universal wisdom in a way that children would understand. Thank you for this charming, and magically delightful presentation.

[@edward2785]

Dr. Silverman, Your presentation was wonderfully eloquent. You just confirmed to me how important storytelling is when performing this lovely art called "Magic". Thank you Sir

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

I wouldn't want to say that storytelling is the only valid way to present magic. But that if we present our magic as merely "tricks" then we are not giving our audiences as much to take away with them, to apply to their own lives.

[@VishalShahREAL]

I hung out with this guy of a whole weekend at Magic Live. He's the best

[@SquirefromtheShire]

I spent a few years working for Apple between 2011 and 2016. While I was spending a few weeks at the Apple campus in Cupertino doing training I got to meet this guy and see some of his magic. He did the classic “is this your card?” But the twist was that the card appears inside someone’s sealed drinking cup stuck to the inside facing out. Kim is truly a wizard among men, and is one of Apple’s top research scientists!

[@retribution999]

Excellent..magic elevated from entertaining party tricks to something with value and meaning. We need more of this magic in our lives.

[@wolfwizard406]

this is one of the most insightful pieces about what the "Art" of magic should be..

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

I'm quite touched! You, and we all, strive to make our magic more meaningful. Heaven knows, the world needs magic right now!

[@ZacharyMcCoyMD]

Crazy how Dumbledore changes his voice like that.

[@damianmortan8716]

Mumblemore?

[@AdarshMammen3]

Gandalf, Dumbledore and now this guy. I think it's the beard, such warm hearted people.

[@slug182]

santa clauss

[@ShlomoMetzenbaum]

This guy did such an old illusion yet he presented it in a way that felt new and refreshing.

[@EpicBunty]

+ShlomoMetzenbaum what old illusion? no hope here..move on folks

[@ShlomoMetzenbaum]

+EpicBunty The Rings illusion is one of the oldest. This guy tells a nice story while presenting the illusion pretty flawlessly. It isn't anything spectacular or a knock you off your feet type of act, but its smooth and kind of inventive.

[@EpicBunty]

So its a trick!?

[@ShlomoMetzenbaum]

EpicBunty Uh what? Is that a question or a statement? If its a question, yes its a trick, obviously you idiot. If its a statement, then uh, good for you.

[@EpicBunty]

Why obviously??

[@jorgedominguez4124]

THANK YOU DR,SILVERMAN!

[@lockwie9176]

He made some hope appear out of thin air ✨

[@HAHA-kk2xy]

Lol

[@seedra6533]

Yes!

[@TenyLeons]

what a lovely person, he reminded me, my late grand father

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Heh, I'm late for many things. Meetings, deadlines, getting to bed, etc etc.

[@bivinpeter2720]

The magic tricks were simplistic but the message of hope you infused into it was truely magical. I can just imagine how you light up a hospital ward, because my day was unexpectedly lit up. Keep doing what you do.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thankyou for the encouragement, Biven.

[@keithnorris8982]

I believe this is one of the more meaningful presentations utilizing magic that I have watched in the TEDx series. Dr. Silverman was amazing and so was his magic!

[@keithnorris8982]

@Beta Dude, you are such a moron. Did you really think he was going to do real magic! Who cares how it was done... , it was all about the message. Go to the library and get a book on magic. Maybe that will help🙂

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

@Beta Interesting idea. Wrong, but interesting.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Dumbledore is another of my younger cousins. Ever since he was himself a youngster, he has always played these games where he would disappear for ages -- we'd all think him dead -- but then would reappear again! I suspect we haven't really seen the last of him.

[@fncnn]

Thank you so much for this talk.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

@@fncnn Thanks fro commenting! I had no idea when I gave this presentation that it would be of such benefit to so many people around the world.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

@@TerminalFailSafe Yes, I am a magician. But so are you. Magic is about transformation. You have the power within you to bring about the transformations you need in your life. I merely do this stuff to remind you of that

[@Jessica_Zs]

Indeeeeeed

[@tammyshannon1884]

@@DrMerlochSilvermaine wow thank u for an amazing talk i felt this to my core xxx

[@MileyonDisney]

What a lovely person. I feel so much better after watching this. Thank you.

[@nikkafaith]

Mr. Silverman hope to see you again ❤️

[@samswilly14]

One of the best TedX talks I’ve seen. Great message, put in a humorous/real way. Even though most of the topics he covered have no humor and are the most serious in life. Great job man

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I continue to develop such performance pieces and a deeper understanding of what I'm trying to achieve.

[@tabithablalock]

Oh how delightful! I love this Ted talk!

[@kotogray8335]

This here... Now this is something very special indeed!!

[@thedruiddiaries6378]

Truly wonderful.This man is a treasure...as is this wisdom.

[@therubbersouls]

I was in a band with Kim some years ago. He plays keyboards and was a delightful soul.

[@jimbrown9226]

Dr Silverman it is a joy every time I see this I first saw it about two or more years ago. the relaxed truthful way you deliver this magic and your reasons for why it makes scene are wonderful Thank you so muck for this

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Jim, thats so much for your very kind words! I deeply believe every word of what I say in my scripts.

[@fiddlermikey]

Such eloquent presentation

[@Cianson]

Beautifully spoken, beautifully performed!

[@brewers2150]

Thank you Kim!

[@cgstonewick4927]

Thanks to this kind of magical presentation, the bunnies, bisected assistants and tired wise cracks are fading away. Leaving a positive space for what God created magicians to be in the first place. Bravo!

[@ZombieHitler]

I treat Magic as Philosophy ordering Scientific Inquiry into Artistic Expression. It is awesome. Glad I wrote it down.

[@ResidualGoop]

I'd love to have this guy as my teacher!!!

[@kiribaines1070]

I HAVE had this guy as my teacher and it's even better than you could imagine!!!

[@etober1000]

That would be such a delight! Looking forward to seeing you again!

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thanks. You have much of your own magic, too!

[@mamihashimoto1429]

I loved watching this, thank you. It was very positive and entertaining.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Mami, thank you so much for writing this!

[@cgstonewick4927]

I whole-heartedly agree. This is what magic ought to look like!

[@Epicbusinesstools]

Very creative way of putting together a topical subject. Thanks for the ideas!

[@stormwatcher1299]

That was so beautiful and inspiring

[@ladystalker3953]

Thank you for giving me hope & showing me the way out

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Dearest Lady Stalker: Sometimes we get so focussed on some potential negative outcomes, that we forget the broader picture. We are so sure that things could only ever turn out one way, and often we are not very happy about that only outcome that we can envision. And then something comes along that changes the situation in ways we never could have anticipated! Magic reminds us that: sometimes the unexpected happens! Life is fuller surprises!

[@ladystalker3953]

Yes indeed & Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays sir, love the presentation.

[@davidhouse5971]

Thank you.

[@mariusweber4990]

How well done!

[@CIPRI500]

i really enjoy watching this video, even if the tricks aren`t so spectacular he managed to create something magic.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think the performance of "spectacular tricks" is like spectacular special effects in a movie. Interesting, entertaining, but of little great consequence outside of the context of a story. But within a relevant story, the special effects can make the experience of the story more compelling.

[@armstrong2052]

DrMerlochSilvermaine amazing

[@scottarnink9874]

Thank you for taking a great magic act and adding life changing and soul inspiring content. Life is, "tricky" thank goodness there truly is,"Hope"...and you're right...that is an idea worth spreading!

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thanks for the feedback. In these times in particular, it is important that we don't focus exclusively on our negative predictions. Because otherwise we risk driving ourselves, and those around us, into deeper gloom and anger.

[@gregbraunlin4646]

This guy is awesome.

[@marioblasalegria]

The ring slide very effective with patter excellent.

[@raopune9]

THANK U

[@ashk3275]

what an exemplary human being

[@aungko7686]

It's a very great presentation

[@KlarraDaniele]

Dumblebor lives!🙌🏼

[@ElliotP891]

spectacular presentation!!

[@8ishy8ear]

That was awesome!! Well played..

[@ZacharyMcCoyMD]

Beautiful.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Well thank you, that's very kind of you! I still hope to get a chance to take you as my guest to the Magic Castle in Hollywood.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

There is hope!!!!

[@tikitiki7610]

, WOW! MY LIFE IN HIS HANDS, AMAZING

[@etober1000]

Well done, my friend.

[@NickLewin]

Very enjoyable!

[@Maserjo]

so true.

[@danielscottburke]

Wonderful 🖤

[@christopherwest252]

A true Magi!!! 🤯☄️⚡⚡⚡🙌🧙

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thanks, Christopher. I have had the good fortune to have studied under many masters. May you yourself be a light that brightens the world around you, particularly in these dark and frought days.

[@christopherwest252]

That was beautiful. Thx buddy 👍

[@eml.7380]

That guy is amazing

[@marioblasalegria]

Beautiful purely magic

I liked it.

[@jorgedominguez4124]

WOW!

[@manuelolveragarcia8539]

thank you YOU CHANGED MY LIFE

[@nadeenhassen7018]

I'm sorry to bother you but I wish you can tell me how? I mean how did you fixed yourself your life? I really touched by this talk but I'm in a point I don't know what to do? hope that you could answer me please

[@manuelolveragarcia8539]

I do not really like magic, but it's a fun way to see life and even in some cases effectively. I'm from mexico and have a normal life but never gave me a chance to see what they saw others. I realized it was just a ilucion, something like a mirage, just looked the real things I always wanted to do but for whatever situation I was afraid to do. watching the video, I realized that I was unhappy for problems of perspective, so I took to the task of solving

[@nadeenhassen7018]

Manuel Olvera Garcia thanks for your answer I started to search within myself to found out what i've done wrong in my life why I'm unhappy ?that talk also make me realized something not right in my life too boring empty and I have no goal now I'm walking like baby step to found out where I can find my happiness that's why I thought to write for you as little help so thanks

[@EpicBunty]

mine too finding out that dumbledore was real and on TED totally blew my mind... now just to figure out what he meant... and the hows...

[@jamalhamdan9170]

The magic tricks were simplistic but the message of hope you infused into it was truly magical. I can just imagine how you light up a hospital ward, because my day was unexpectedly lit up. Keep doing what you do.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thanks so much! I have continued to create more such performance pieces and an even deeper understanding of what I'm trying to do.

[@devingater]

i kept expecting him to break into singing Monty Python's "Always look on the bright side of life"

[@IvanMallia]

Kudos

[@scottscriber4234]

True magic , not the tricks, the magic is in the words , the tricks are for focus.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Yes indeed. I regard the magic effects as fulfilling the same role as the illustrations in a storybook. They are not an end in themselves, but rather an aid for the reader/audience to experience the story more compellingly and deeply.

[@scottscriber4234]

@@DrMerlochSilvermaine thank you for your reply

[@passion4deception]

Great! :)

[@thelastunicorn7373]

I love him

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thanks, Emmaliana. My aim in my magic is not to impress people, but rather to leave people feeling better about themselves, and about how they relate to the often-perplexing circumstances of their lives. Because when we feel better about ourselves, we are less likely to make habitual dysfunctional reactions to the events that happen, and more likely to respond in productive and positive ways. This is the strongest magic!

[@thelastunicorn7373]

@@DrMerlochSilvermaine I really needed to hear that thank you🙏 you have such a beautiful way of teaching it really warms my heart.

[@cjpreach]

FATHER CHRISTMAS ! ! !

[@MrAnritco]

this is so cute!!

[@templecharas]

i think hez not here to fool people..he performed an entertaining art which is like he said very magical and mysterious just like life..

[@stealthleft4297]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DO ITT!!!!!!!!

[@alecrisser12]

I need to get'me some of those rings!!!

[@renehenriksen1735]

Damn you! How do you do these things Mr Wizard? I want to know it....

[@ancientwatchmanTV]

When you realize that Dumbledore never died but transferred to the world of the moguls...😁💪🏼

[@deanb024]

Ancient Watchman Muggles....

[@stephanwatson7902]

Magic glowing string is magic, deal with it Penn and Teller!

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

I have the highest respect for Penn and Teller as magicians and as thinkers. We do, however, take different approaches to magic performance.

[@partyprash2000]

I love Dumbledore :)

[@crackfare1989]

I'm glad Dumbledore's brother found success

[@splatzec]

Dumbledore, is that you?

[@mrAnderson57]

dumbledore?

[@chrisymooketsi4694]

I like that Mr Getafix the druid

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

I loved Getafix!!!!

[@MemesPachecos]

Dumbledore you are my hero

[@LegendofJack]

legit!

[@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369]

Magic makes people live longer... so that's why so many wizards are old! (definetly not dark magic prolonging life)

[@milinaanilim8774]

oh my god!! how???

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Sorry it has taken me 6 months to respond to you, Valken666. One thing meant to say in that talk, but forgot in the pressure of (being streamed to 100,000 people, was that I like tricks. Just like I like special effects in movies. But while they are momentarily very entertaining, they do not deeply move me. If I seem to be telling other people what to do, then I have failed. What I aimed to present was my own approach to performing magic, and some of the reasoning behind it.

[@NicoleAgent]

This is fantastic. Have you ever been to Colorado? You look awfully familiar.

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

I'm yet to have the pleasure!

[@thedarklord8340]

He is right. Dude looks just like Dumbledore .

[@moss5690]

I’ve no complaint about this video per se, but this is the second Ted vid I’ve watched with ‘magic’ in the title and as a Pagan, I look forward to the usual high standard Ted talks addressing esoteric magic from a serious standpoint but both times have been disappointed. With Paganism as the worlds fastest growing religion, I would imagine there are far more people who integrate magic into their everyday lives than those who perform magic for entertainment. Just a thought for future content...

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Thanks for this thoughtful comment. Although I am not a Pagan, my sister is a witch, and I am very proud to tell people about her. I have the highest respect for Paganism, as I do for many of the world's longtime religions. As one of my masters taught me: Yes, I am a magician. But so is everybody. So are you. Magic is about transformation. You have the power within you to bring about the transformations you need in your life. I merely perform what I do to remind you of that.

[@slug182]

LOL this is so easy for Albus

[@seedra6533]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Katalyzt]

Nicely done ᵔᴥᵔ ★★★★★ Katalyzt

[@ericalambert9539]

Literally clicked on this video to read all the comments saying this is Albus Dumbledore

[@DrMerlochSilvermaine]

Wow, Erica! I love those Harry Potter stories, too! CS Lewis hypothesized that one reason why we love fantasy is because we like to think, deep down in the back of our minds, that perhaps there's a universe somewhere where all of this is true! And the belief that such a place exists gives us joy.

[@MrMonshez]

This guys eccentric haha..create connections, make magic, give value.

[@Abliskarian]

Why is dumbledores voice so different?

[@austindudley2270]

Before he first said anything, my first thought was DUMBLEDORE!

[@mayraartisa3004]

can't cheat me yo! you're Ricky J. in disguise

[@risinking8586]

Albus Dumbledore !!!!