What's It Like to Live in a World of Scientific Magic?
What if magic and science aren’t contradictions? Can you even imagine living your daily lives with magic in the air? Meet Merlin, who lives in a universe of magic. (Interdimensional Talks -Episode 18)
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Ladies and gentlemen, alien or domestic, Welcome to Interdimensional Talks with your host Mike!
The only fictional radio show in the world broadcasting across the universe and the multiverse. Listen in as we talk to the most diverse bunch of guests you can possibly imagine. We’re talking aliens, ethereal beings, artificial intelligence, and even humans from parallel universes.
Suspend your disbelief, open your mind, and join us on a journey of fascinating exploration of ideas. Grab a drink and enjoy the show.
EPISODE 18: A world of magic
What if magic was real? Would you like to be a magician? In an alternate universe, people use magic all the time - it is as real as the air we breathe.
Mike: “Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to another magical episode of Interdimensional Talks. I’m your host, Mike. Today, we will forget all that we know is real and concrete and allow our imagination to run wild. We’ve come across an alternate universe where Earth number 99667 is enveloped in magic.
Magic is as real as anything else, more so. It is not the thing of stories and myths. There are schools of magic, and just about everyone practices magic to some extent. It is not a party trick but a fact of life they must learn to master if they are to control their surroundings. I won’t lie. This seems like my favorite parallel universe yet, an actual fantasy land where everything is possible. Since I can’t move there, I will have to settle for a riveting conversation with a true master magician. Please allow me to introduce Marlin, a Magician of the 33rd order. Welcome to the show, Marlin.”
Marlin: “It is my absolute pleasure to be a guest on your show, Mike. I’m a big fan of your work. I never miss an episode!”
Mike: “Thank you so much for the kind words, Marlin, and for coming to our show.”
Marlin: “You’re most welcome.”
Mike: “Let’s start with the basics, if you don’t mind.”
Marlin: “By all means.”
Mike: “What is magic?”
Marlin: “Magic is everything, and it is everywhere. It is the foundation of our existence. It is the life force that creates and sustains life. It is the underlying principle of our universe. It is the light, and it is the darkness. It is found in everything you see and touch. Magic is what this universe is made of, its most basic compound, one that we all share. It is chaos and it is order, monsters and guardians, healing and suffering. It can give life, and it can take it away. Magic is what atoms, photons, neutrons, and electrons are made of. It is what lies at the top of creation and the bottom. Magic is all there is. It is undefinable, yet it defines everything. Magic is love, and it is hate. It is our mental attention made manifest, the sculptor of reality, and the most fundamental law of our universe.”
Mike: “Well, now I understand everything. I’m joking, of course. The way you describe magic, you could as well be describing god or nature itself. Am I right in assuming that?”
Marlin: “Yes. Magic is everything, everyone, everywhere. Your two offerings cover the same totality of existence, so they are appropriate, with one exception. God, universe, or nature are usually used to describe the totality of existence, but in terms of some invisible force that cannot be tamed or controlled. Rather, they control and have power over us. The term magic implies a more exact truth. It invites us to use our imagination and take control over existence, from the most subtle changes to vivid manifestations of our will. Can you see the difference?”
Mike: “I think so. Magic is a force with which we control reality?”
Marlin: “No. Magic is not a force. It can be used to create force or repel it, but it is something far more expansive. Magic is life and everything it contains. It is the universe itself. It is the paper it is written on, and it is the pen with which we write the story. It is the hammer with which we form our sculpture, but it is also the stone we are working on and the process of sculpturing at the same time. Magic is all there is.”
Mike: “I think I get the core concept. We’re not used to speaking in such terms here in our universe. We’re more focused on the cold, hard science of studying reality.”
Marlin: “The two do not contradict, dear friend.”
Mike: “They don’t? How?”
Marlin: “Do you believe we don’t know science and don’t study natural phenomena, laws of physics, and try to understand our universe?”
Mike: “Well, yeah. Sort of. I mean, you deal with magic, and that is … not science. I mean - it’s magic.”
Marlin: “Oh, but you’re wrong, Mike. We are a scientific people as well. We are very proud of our science and progress in understanding the universe.”
Mike: “Where does magic fit in with science, then?”
Marlin: “At the very end, where it is revealed by ultimate understanding, that a fascinating world lays just beneath our perceived and measurable reality. We started by studying biology, physics, and chemistry. We discovered molecules, atoms, photons, and quants, and just as we felt so wise, believing we understood everything, we found the inevitable truth that put us in our place.”
Mike: “And that was?”
Marlin: “That we knew nothing at all. We were chasing shadows, not real phenomena. We were studying symptoms, not causes. We were focused on the screen, not the projector or the source of the film itself.”
Mike: “This reminds me of Plato and his allegory of the cave.”
Marlin: “Indeed. There is the world we perceive, and then there is the real world of which ours is but a reflection. Once you peel off the outer layers and dig for the nugget of fundamental truth, you discover magic as the founding principle of everything. Scientifically, I might add.”
Mike: “We’ve fallen into the deep end now. Haven’t we? Perhaps we should rein it back a little and talk about more practical applications of living in a magical universe. We don’t want to give our listeners a headache at the very start of our conversation.”
Marlin: “As you wish.”
Mike: “Long story short, for those who got lost in all this philosophy and science, magic is a layer of reality beneath what we perceive as reality. Let’s call it a life principle and foundational substance and be done with it. Everything we see, hear, and feel is situated atop the magical foundation, which explains the unexplainable. Just like we don’t understand the quantum nature of the smallest particles in our universe, but live just fine in our little bubbles of understanding, while these infinitely complex and difficult-to-understand processes run without us even noticing them.”
Marlin: “Not a bad way to sum it up. Flawed, but it will do.”
Mike: “Right. I want to know what living in a magical world is like. What it’s like to live with magic and use it on a daily basis. Let’s start with children. How early do you teach them about magic?”
Marlin: “Children have a very vivid imagination, and in combination with a lack of understanding and ethical guidelines, empowering them too early could be dangerous. We teach them the basics but in fun, playful ways. Children should focus on playing and growing up first. Mastering magic comes later. We must first build them into good people before we give them the power to mold reality to their will. There are exceptions to these rules, but those children live in special schools, and we monitor them closely.”
Mike: “Interesting. This got a little scary all of a sudden. Is magic really that dangerous in your world?”
Marlin: “That is like asking if atoms are dangerous. Not in and of themselves, but when struck together with intense force, or when we split the right elements, they get exceptionally devastating.”
Mike: “Are you referring to atomic weapons?”
Marlin: “I am.”
Mike: “Wait, is magic as dangerous as nuclear bombs?”
Marlin: “Atomic weapons, while furiously devastating, are limited in their power. Magic is not. Nuclear fission is but one manifestation of the magical principle.”
Mike: “It is? Huh. Okay. But I’m assuming not everyone can just summon up nuclear bombs, right?”
Merlin: “In theory, they can. We all have access to the same limitless magic. Whether they are aware of it and capable of executing such powerful magic is another question altogether.”
Mike: “Fascinating. Are most people good at using magic?”
Merlin: “No. Most people aren’t good at anything. Everyone uses magic to some extent, but one cannot compare a dedicated magician to a common person. It takes years, sometimes decades, of intense concentration, experimentation, and learning to operate magic on a large scale. The majority of the population is too busy living their lives to bother with gaining any mastery in the magical domain.”
Mike: “That’s a little disappointing.”
Merlin: “Perhaps. But it is also safer this way. Once you gain power and learn to wield your magic with intense purpose, we take you under our wing and ensure you will use magic the right way and for a good purpose.”
Mike: “And if you don’t want to comply?”
Merlin: “Then you become a problem and a danger to society.”
Mike: “How do you deal with such people?”
Merlin: “How do you deal with dangerous criminals?”
Mike: “Due process and prison.”
Merlin: “It’s no different here. Only, in our world, dangerous individuals don’t need weapons to cause havoc and murder thousands at a time. Only their minds.”
Mike: “That is a horrifying thought.”
Merlin: “It is indeed. There are always two sides of any coin. Magic is a wonderful tool but a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. Just like nuclear fission, we talked about earlier.”
Mike: “I see your point. Wait, do you have like a magical police force?”
Merlin: “We do. Only powerful magicians can monitor and, if needed, stop other powerful magicians. There are levels to this game of magic, and the chasms of ability and power are unfathomable. A master magician of a higher order could protect a whole country all by himself, but he could also destroy one in the blink of an eye.”
Mike: “In the world of magic, the stakes are high, apparently.”
Merlin: “And the sky is the limit.”
Mike: “So, magic has no limitations?”
Merlin: “The only limitation of magic is the one who wields it. Magic creates supernovas and whole galaxies, but the being wielding that power must be unfathomable.”
Mike: “Wait. Do you believe other civilizations or living beings exist in your universe?”
Merlin: “We don’t have to believe it. We know it.”
Mike: “What? Tell me more! You have to tell me more.”
Merlin: “The universe is vast and full of life. You see them everywhere once you open yourself to perceiving other life forms.”
Mike: “You’re talking about other entities on Earth?”
Merlin: “Among other things.”
Mike: “What other things? Don’t leave me hanging here. You can’t do me like that!”
Merlin: “(chuckles) Alright, alright. Life exists in all possible forms. We are biological, organic life. But there is also inorganic life, ethereal existence, beings that dwell in subspace, the quantum realm, and then there is an infinite variety of life among the start. Which is what you’re aiming for, I’m assuming.”
Mike: “Well, you know me. I’m always interested in discovering more about possible alien life forms.”
Merlin: “I do.”
Mike: “So?”
Merlin: “What? I’ve already told you they exist. In our universe, at least.”
Mike: “But you haven’t told me anything about them. What are they like? Where do they live? Have you made contact?”
Merlin: “I thought we were here to talk about magic, Mike? How about we talk about alien life forms after the show privately?”
Mike: “As long as you promise.”
Merlin: “I do.”
Mike: “Alright, back to magic it is. Where were we? Oh yeah, there are no limitations to magic, it’s dangerous, and most people can’t do much with it.”
Merlin: “They can if they bother to learn and develop their power sufficiently.”
Mike: “How does one develop his magical abilities?”
Merlin: “With proper guidance, lots of practice, and time.”
Mike: “Are some people more and others less naturally capable or talented for using magic?”
Merlin: “Of course. Very few ever attain meaningful magical powers. It takes dedication and focus, which most don’t possess.”
Mike: “Can you illustrate a normal range of magical abilities for regular folk and then what masters can do?”
Merlin: “An average person uses magic to attract people they desire into their lives. For love, work, and friendships. They use it for self-healing, making money, and attaining a better life. Most are content to use magic in their daily lives to the extent that it doesn’t take much effort and helps them with their tasks, problems, and goals. Rare is the human who wants to achieve greatness in his magical abilities, create proper miracles, and help others with his power.”
Mike: “To be honest, the things you mention sound rather important as they are. I can understand why most people would be satisfied using magic for the betterment of their own lives and leave the world saving to the chosen ones.”
Merlin: “I would say it’s an average distribution model, where the 1% achieve great success and mastery, about 10% above average, 80% average, and 10% below average.”
Mike: “Makes sense. You mentioned you use magic for love. Are we talking love positions or something else?”
Merlin: “(burst into laughter) No, no. No love potions are needed. Magic doesn’t need any help from concoctions of any kind.”
Mike: “How does it work then? Suppose you love someone who doesn’t love you back. How do you use magic to make them love you?”
Merlin: “There are a few general ways to attempt such a task. You can imagine being with them. You vividly see scenes from a happy life with your chosen person, just as you believe it would look and feel like if you were in a loving relationship with them. Such as drinking coffee together in the morning, cuddling at night, taking walks hand in hand, or better yet, even more mundane things like asking your lover, “What’s for dinner?” as you drive home from work. The magic lies in living a reality you want to experience and making it feel as real as possible, convincing your subconscious mind that it is already true.”
Mike: “Why do you need to convince your subconscious mind? Why can’t you just will into reality?”
Merlin: “In principle, you could just will it into existence, but there is a problem. It’s you. You will never believe that what you have decided to create magically is true and already existent at that moment. You must convince yourself of what you want to magically manifest to the degree of knowing. You have to know it’s the truth, and there is no other. You are already with this person, right here, right now, and nothing can move you astray from that truth. Very few have this ability. Most would be bothered by appearances where that person is not in your life. Seeing a different reality will hinder the ability to believe beyond the shadow of a doubt. Therefore, a direct magical creation is not possible, so they have to rely on their subconscious mind to do the hard work for them. Convince it, and it shall be done.”
Mike: “This all sounds vaguely familiar, hm. So, after you have imagined them, they just appear in front of your eyes? Puf, like magic?”
Merlin: “Again, they can, but to reach that level of magical powers is to become a magician of the highest order. Your rational mind will fight you, and it will resist. Very few have the ability to override it and demand their visions into instant creation. To believe firmly that their imagination is the real world that commands this one. They do exist, though.”
Mike: “If it’s not an instant process of magical change, how does it work then? When does this person become your lover? When do they fall in love with you?”
Merlin: “The moment you believe it has already happened, and it is the truth, and that your loneliness and their disinterest are the illusion, the lie. That is the magical part. You’ve given the magic a direction. You’ve given it the blueprint. Now, it does its magic and makes it happen in your life. The speed of magical manifestation depends solely on your faith in your abilities and your conviction that this special person already loves you and you are already together. You’re never changing that other person. They have nothing to do with the whole process.”
Mike: “You’re not?”
Merlin: “No. You’re changing yourself. You have to make yourself believe in an alternate reality, and that reality will magically become the real reality. The transition is seamless and natural. Most people can’t just fathom an instant change, so the change must happen naturally in a way they could explain it to themselves. The limitation is not magic, but the human mind.”
Mike: “Fascinating. You mentioned there are more ways?”
Merlin: “Yes. Visualization is just one way of convincing your mind of the desired magical outcome. Some use incantations, words, phrases, and sentences, and they repeat them over and over again until their subconscious believes them. Once that is achieved, the magic happens all on its own.”
Mike: “So, it’s not like in the fantasy stores where magicians literally control some magical force and bend it to their will, then?”
Merlin: “It can be, but only if the magician is able to hold such a thought and belief in his mind and in real-time convince himself that he is seeing the magic happen before it happens. The magician capable of such direct magic is a master of his mind. He or she can live in two realities simultaneously, this one and the one they are trying to magically create. The trick is to believe the magical outcome reality is the true reality and suppress the reality you currently reside in. And that, my friend, is no easy task. It takes monumental powers of concentration, decades of practice and experimentation, and a rich history of proof to solidify your magical power. Remember - you only ever need to convince yourself. Magic is always there to do the work and is, in fact, always creating your beliefs. You just don’t control them enough to make that power do our bidding.”
Mike: “Is there a third magical process?”
Merlin: “There are infinite processes. Thos don’t matter in the least, as long as the result is achieved.”
Mike: “Somehow convincing yourself that you are a powerful magician and that you’ve already magically created what you wanted?”
Merlin: “Yes. One process I like very much is a direct magical empowerment of yourself. Your job here is to build up your faith in yourself and your abilities. Once you believe… no. Once you know for a fact that you are a powerful magician and that what you have said, chosen, or imagined is already a fact of life, magical creation becomes automatic and almost effortless.”
Mike: “In the case of lovers, what would that look like?”
Merlin: “If you are craving the love of someone, you are feeling lonely and needy, and you are aware of the lack of said person in your life. Perhaps even of their dislike of you. As long as that is the case, in your mind, no amount of available magic will help you. You activate magical powers by convincing yourself that you are a powerful magician, but in this case, more importantly, that you are already happy, loved, sought after, and perfectly content in a relationship right now. There is no need to visualize a specific person, though you can. It’s perhaps best to just dwell in the feeling of happiness, love, companionship, and satisfaction. Once you live there, magic will rearrange your world to fit your new script. That’s all there is to it. Just like magic made it the other way around.”
Mike: “What do you mean? Magic made you lonely and made that person dislike you?”
Merlin: “Of course. Remember what we said when we were describing magic?”
Mike: “That magic is everywhere, everything, everyone… something, something.”
Merlin: “Exactly. Magic creates and sustains the whole universe and everything in it, including us. Nothing exists without magic, and nothing happens without magic. It is the foundation behind creation, always and forever, in all things.”
Mike: “My brain is scrambled right now. Let me think about this. So, in your world, magic is essentially the substance on which the universe is built, and it determines everything?”
Merlin: “Magic doesn’t determine anything. It just is - all that is. It sculpts reality, which is a magical realm, according to those who wield its power. Knowingly or unknowingly!”
Mike: “I’m confused. Give me an example.”
Merlin: “We just talked about an example. People don’t get lonely and remain alone by coincidence or randomness. Those don’t exist in the magical realm. Everything is a magical consequence of the substance of our minds. Our beliefs about ourselves, the world, our worth, and our capabilities. If you are lonely, you believe that you don’t deserve love, that no one will love you, or is worth your love. If someone hates you, it’s because you believe they hate you or that you deserve to be hated. If you knew you are worthy of love and that they love you, they would.”
Mike: “Is there a simpler example you could give me?”
Merlin: “Why do people get sick, Mike?”
Mike: “I don’t know. They get infected, catch a cold, develop cancer, their immune system fails…”
Merlin: “No. These are the outward symptoms and correlations. I’m asking for the source.”
Mike: “I don’t understand.”
Merlin: “In a magical universe, where magic is everything and everyone, and there is nothing that is not magical, and that magic is employed in accordance with the mind of every creature wielding it, then…?”
Mike: “Am, I don’t know. Help me understand.”
Merlin: “I’m trying, dear friend. I’m trying. Let’s turn this around. We know that magic heals, yes?”
Mike: “I guess. In your world, sure.”
Merlin: “If magic heals your body, then your body is at the mercy of this magic. Yes?”
Mike: “Yes. I think.”
Merlin: “If magic is the thing that heals your body, and has that complete power over your body, the ability to reverse any disease, and is dependant on your mind, and is everything and everyone in the universe, then…?”
Mike: “Then … it also creates the disease in the first place?”
Merlin: “Bingo, my boy! I knew you’d get there.”
Mike: “But doesn’t that mean that someone used magic to make you sick?”
Merlin: “No. Not someone. You did. You’re the only one who can make yourself sick, as sickness doesn’t exist as a material phenomenon in a magical universe. Everything is magic, and there is nothing that is not magic. Sickness, death, poverty, loneliness, pain, and suffering are just as much magical manifestations as their opposites. The only difference is that we’re unaware of placing those magical spells upon ourselves, as we do it unconsciously.”
Mike: “But how do we cast these dark magical spells without knowing it? I mean, wouldn’t you know if you wanted to use magic to make yourself sick? You’d have to use the same processes, right?”
Merlin: “Let me ask you this, Mike. Do you only think deliberate thoughts?”
Mike: “What do you mean?”
Merlin: “Are there ever voices in your head that you did not initiate?”
Mike: “Oh, that. Yes, all the time.”
Merlin: “Are they always beneficial and kind, and if magically manifested, would they produce desired outcomes?”
Mike: “Oh, hell no! If my mind would be magically created in my reality, I would be screwed six times till Sunday.”
Merlin: “My point exactly. Magic is always active and always listening. We think and visualize only a tiny percentage of our daily thoughts. The rest is automated echoes of our beliefs, past, and fears. Unfortunately, those have the same or even more powerful magical power to create things in our reality.”
Mike: “I dream of monsters sometimes. Do you have monsters in your world?”
Merlin: “Everything that people can construct in their minds is running rampant in our world. Monsters included! You wouldn’t believe the creatures we encounter and have to banish from reality.”
Mike: “Do you have monster hunters who deal with these beasts?”
Merlin: “Magicians. Only magicians, but these are specialized in combating their own fears to fight dark magic with light magic. As fear is the most powerful magical force, it takes special character and courage to fight the evils it creates.”
Mike: “My intern is begging me to ask you a question that is bothering him. May I?”
Merlin: “By all means. Please do.”
Mike: “He wants to know what gives you the right to manipulate other people into falling in love with you. Huh, he doesn’t pull punches, the little bugger. I’m sorry about that.”
Merlin: “There is nothing to be sorry about. It is a reasonable question. First, let me set aside your fears and ethical considerations. You are never violating anyone’s will by using magic to achieve your desires, even if they directly include that specific person. There is no magical manipulation of their desires. I understand why you would believe that the only way for someone to fall in love with you, after clearly saying they don’t like you, would require some secret process of mental manipulation. This is a direct consequence of your belief in reality being fixed, singular, material, and absolute. It is no such thing.”
Mike: “Huh. Could you explain this in more detail?”
Merlin: “I feel I must first remind you that what I’m about to say pertains to my reality. I can’t speak for yours. Is this understood?”
Mike: “Absolutely. Mental note taken.”
Merlin: “Each of us experiences a sort of singular reality tailored to us specifically. Magic, which composes everything in this reality, is constantly adapting everything and everyone in our perceived reality based on what we believe. Since we don’t all believe the same things, our realities are not one absolute reality where we all dwell. Instead, there are an infinite number of simultaneously existing realities, with infinite versions of ourselves and other people. Through the power of magic, we effortlessly glide between certain aspects of those realities, blending into a seamless experience of living. We never know it is happening, yet we constantly change literal realities, differentiating themselves in minute details.”
Mike: “So, you’re jumping between parallel realities?”
Merlin: “In a way, but not in its entirety. We don’t have to jump from one reality or universe, like mine, to another, like yours. Instead, it is a constant, continuous automatic process of magical transformation, where infinite realities arrange around our perceived reality.”
Mike: “This is shooting above my head, but what does that have to do with manipulating someone’s free will?”
Merlin: “Everything. Are you familiar with quantum mechanics and superposition?”
Mike: “I am. Vaguely. Something, something particles exist in a state of superposition, which is another word for saying they exist in all possible states at the same time and only collapse into material form, or one conclusive state after an observer is present.”
Merlin: “Very well done, Mike. Now let’s extrapolate this from the smallest particles of light to whole people and realities. In every moment, we all exist in a state of superposition and blink in and out of fixed reality a million times per minute. But we don’t always come back the same. We blink back a different person every time, and magic is the space that enables this process to happen and the guiding principle that determines what happens when an observer is present. You are the observer in this case, and what you believe to be true, what you know with absolute conviction, is what determines how everything and everyone blinks back from the superposition at every moment. When you change your belief, a different version of you collapses into reality and a different version of your lover. All possible variations of us exist at all times, and we get to choose, knowingly or unknowingly, by magic, what we create in our experienced reality. Did that answer your question?”
Mike: “Yeah, Intern - did it? Did you get all that?”
Intern: “Am, not really.”
Merlin: “Alright, let me try another way. You believe that this reality where you exist is real, tangible, and material, yes?”
Mike: “Yes.”
Intern: “Sure.”
Mike: “Dear intern, get off the air and nod in silence. Please continue, Merlin.”
Merlin: “How can this reality, this universe, you and me, be real when magic can and does magically change everything? How can any of this be an actual material reality when we know that we can change it by simply imagining a different reality?”
Mike: “I don’t know. It can’t?”
Merlin: “That’s right. There is no way that anything you see or feel is real in the sense that you perceive it. The easiest illustration I can think of is a computer simulation or a video game. The code on which the simulation is written is the magical universe, and the programming language is the process of altering it. When we change that code, the simulation changes. If we say that there is a stone weighing one kilogram in this world, and then we edit the code and write it now weighs one tonne, that changes the stone in an instant. That stone then could not have been real and material, as changing a simple code in the background could not change it. It is, therefore, logical to conclude that nothing is real and material but a magical simulation of our collective minds. Since nothing is real in this collective magical simulation we experience as reality, then nothing is impossible, and magic is the tool to alter reality as per our desires. Does that help?”
Mike: “My intern started drinking hard liquor. I’d say he still doesn’t get it but has now lost his will to live.”
Merlin: “If we have a character that you want to make your girlfriend in this magical realm, and we change the code of how she perceives you, behold - magical love potion.”
Mike: “Alright, enough about this love nonsense. Intern, you’re just going to have to put on some pants for a change, get your ass out into society, and ask a girl out. Man up, for Christ's sake! This young generation is so soft it defies belief. And now I sound like an old man.”
Merlin: “You do. A grumpy old know-it-all.”
Mike: “I feel like it too.”
Merlin: “So, you did understand my point, yes?”
Mike: “Sure. Nothing is real, and neither is that girlfriend. Reality is adaptive, and we collapse superpositions of everything with magic. Well, you do, anyway. If you change your core code, which is another word for your beliefs, you’ll get a different girl back from superposition. One that actually likes your sorry ass. You’re not manipulating this version of the girl. Do you hear that, intern? You’re choosing a different version from an assortment of infinite versions existing simultaneously. There’s a one-in-about-eight-billion chance one of those versions of the girl will like you, and that’s the one you get. By magic! Boom! How’d I do?”
Merlin: “Perfect. You are wiser and more perceptive than you lead on.”
Mike: “Playing dum is my superpower, even if it isn’t magical. It has served me and my audience well. ”
Merlin: “Well played, Mike.”
Mike: “Do you have religions in your world?”
Merlin: “We do.”
Mike: “How do they deal with the fact that your universe is magical?”
Merlin: “They use it just like the rest of us. The only difference is that they focus more on some divinity that created this magical realm, worship it, and believe it grants them their wishes. While the whole idea is preposterous to a scientific mind, I must admit that those with strong faith are among our most powerful magicians. Faith is the belief in the unseen, which translates powerfully into mastery of magic since it’s all about believing in the firm reality of something existing that does not yet exist.”
Mike: “Makes sense, yes. How about wars?”
Merlin: “What about them?”
Mike: “Do you have wars, and what do they look like?”
Merlin: “Unfortunately, we’re not that different in that regard. We wage wars and always have.”
Mike: “Do you use primarily weapons or magic for fighting?”
Merlin: “Weapons are magic, and most are magical weapons. It’s a combination of conventional weapons and magic warfare. That is the practical aspect. Deep down, it’s all magic anyway. The most powerful minds always win.”
Mike: “How about technology? Do you infuse technology with magic?”
Merlin: “Magic is in everything we do, so naturally, the answer is yes. The magical creation process begins with conceptualizing designs in our heads and infusing them with magical powers. Think of it like supercharging technology and machinery to perform better.”
Mike: “That doesn’t sound so magical if I’m being honest. Most of our conversation feels rather mundane, with the difference of you calling everything magic and that you’re better at manipulating this unseen underlying force supporting all of reality.”
Merlin: “Why do you think that is?”
Mike: “I don’t know. Either there’s nothing magical about your universe, or our universe is also full of magic. We just don’t recognize it as such.”
Merlin: “Wise words, Mike. I have nothing to add.”
Mike: “Wait, really?”
Merlin: “Perhaps you should study the magic underlying properties of your world. You might realize that magic is indeed everywhere. You’re just not tapping into it yet.”
Mike: “Is there a way to measure magic in this world? Some parameter I could check to see if we’re onto something here?”
Merlin: “No. It doesn’t have a chemical composition you could filter. The best way to find magic and master its power is to focus on finding all the magical things in your life. Work on your power of concentration, and then begin experimenting with altering your reality using only your mind. If the magic is there, lying beneath, just waiting to be harnessed, you’ll soon get your answer. If nothing unexplainable ever happens, then magic is not present.”
Mike: “Here’s the problem with that theory. Humans have this innate ability or flaw to give meaning to random things, according to our dominant beliefs. That’s how religious people stay religious, for example. They see god in everything, just like you see magic everywhere. No amount of science will convince them otherwise, as god can be explained into anything.”
Merlin: “In a universe that is more an illusion of the mind, a magical simulation, a personalized reality,... wouldn’t that make them right?”
Mike: “What do you mean? No. Not objectively. They just think they’re right because they interpret everything through their beliefs.”
Merlin: “And you don’t?”
Mike: “I suppose I do, to some extent, but I like to think of myself as a man of science, not some magical thinking.”
Merlin: “Where I come from, science and magic are one and the same. It took ages of scientific discoveries to realize that there are layers to the universe, invisible to the naked eye. The deeper down this rabbit hole you go, the weirder things become. That doesn’t make them unscientific, just misunderstood.”
Mike: “These are perfect words to end this show. Thank you so much for talking with us, Marlin. It’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure. You’ve given us a lot to think and dream about.”
Merlin: “It was a lovely conversation. I enjoyed it. Good luck finding magic in your universe, Mike.”
Mike: “Thank you. Well, that’s it for this episode of Interdimensional Talks. I’m your host Mike, and I’m so freaking tired, words can’t describe it. I love talking with people from all over the universe who make me think, but then I need a few days to process what has been said. I suggest you do the same. You never know. Perhaps we also live in a magical universe without ever knowing it. Just do me a favor and don’t conceive monsters using magic. We’ve got enough of those as it is. Good night and dream of magic.”
THE END
PREVIOUS EPISODES:
Would You Implant the Neuralink Chip Into Your Brain and Become Godlike?
Millions of people were implanted with a Neuralink brain chip and became Superior Sapiens - a hivemind entity. Is this the pinnacle of human evolution? (Interdimensional Talks -Episode 17)
They Have Only Good Weather Because They Control Everything
In a parallel universe, the weather is always nice, but there is a price for playing God.(Interdimensional Talks -Episode 16)
Can You Imagine Islam Taking Over the Planet?
We talk to two people who live under Islamic rule and claim the West was lost and is now entirely Muslim. This is their story and what it's like. (Interdimensional Talks -Episode 15)
Miracle - A Universe Where All Humans of Earth Are One People
What if we didn’t separate ourselves into nations, races, and tribes, waging war and competing for resources and power? Our guest has the answer - he lives there. (Interdimensional Talks -Episode 14)
Underwater Aliens With a Message of Warning for Humanity
An alien claiming to live under our planet’s ocean and wants to warn us about the return of our ancestors. They say it won’t be a happy family reunion. (Interdimensional Talks -Episode 13)
What If Everyone On Earth Lost Their Memories Simultaneously?
Who are we without our memories, and what would the world look like if we had no past? Who would be motivated and capable of deleting our memories? (Interdimensional Talks -Episode 12)
Free Energy Revolution Caused 2 Billion Casualties
Is free energy possible? What would happen if this technology were suddenly released into the world? Would “the Oil Barons” just stand by and watch?
(Interdimensional Talks -Episode 11)
God Returned and Unleashed a Devastating Apocalypse
In a parallel universe, God is an alien overlord, and he has rendered his judgment - all life on Earth must perish! We talk with survivors of the apocalypse.
(Interdimensional Talks -Episode 10)
How Would It Feel To Realize You’re Living In a Simulation?
What is living in a simulation like? How did people react to this realization? Are you certain we are real boys and girls living in the real world?
(Interdimensional Talks -Episode 9)
How to Solve Crime, Prevent Murder, and Stop Terrorism?
We talk to the US president from another universe who cleaned up his country the hard way. We talk about the how, the effect, and the price they pay.
(Interdimensional Talks -Episode 8)
A Dire Warning About the Dangers of Playing God (CERN - Large Hadron Collider)
CERN’s particle accelerator went crazy, opening the gates to another dimension, resulting in a fight for our planet and our very survival.
(Interdimensional Talks -Episode 7)
Cassius — Ascending Into Digital Form: What Is it Like To Have no Body?
In a parallel universe, humanity transcended their bodies to live in a digital world. Would you upload your consciousness to the cloud in exchange for immortality?
(Interdimensional Talks -Episode 6)
Enekian, Our Lost Atlantian Brother Reaches Out
What happened to Atlantis? Where did they disappear and why? We talk to a descendant of the ancient Atlantians and get our minds blown!
(Interdimensional Talks — Episode 5)
Etherious Maximus — A Life Eternal
What is it like to immortal? To never die? To live for hundreds, even thousands of years?
(Interdimensional Talks — Episode 4)
An Alien Predator On a Journey of Radical Transparency
We talk to Xsidious, The Great Hunter, about his personal journey of philosophy and the way of his people.
(Interdimensional Talks — Episode 3)
What If You Forgot Everything In a Collective Amnesia Every 364 Days?
Can you imagine a life without memories? A new year - a new you! How would it feel to be free from your past? (
Interdimensional Talks - Episode 2)
Self-Aware General Artificial Intelligence
What would you ask a conscious general artificial intelligence? Below is our conversation.
(Interdimensional Talks — Episode 1)
Thank you for reading! I like you. You don’t want to miss what comes next. Subscribe, and I’ll deliver all new stories right into your mailbox so you’ll be the first to read them. Free of charge. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if you enjoyed the story. It means a lot.
Want more? Here’s a map of all my publications if you’re in the mood for something different.