Houdini

Escape artist, debunked mediums

Contemporary weird famous 114 sayings

Sayings by Houdini

I always have on my mind the thought that next year I must do something greater, something more wonderful.

Early 20th century — On his continuous drive for innovation and exceeding past achievements.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

An old trick well done is far better than a new trick with no effect.

Early 20th century — On the importance of execution over novelty in magic.
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Never tell the audience how good you are, they will soon find out for themselves.

Early 20th century — Advice on humility and letting performance speak for itself.
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The public is the most honest critic.

1920s — From his writings on magic and showmanship.
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No prison can hold me; no chains can bind me.

early 1900s — A common declaration in his performances and promotional materials.
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The greatest escape I ever made was when I escaped from a straitjacket underwater.

1910s — Reported in interviews about his most challenging feats.
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I was never afraid of failure; for I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.

1920s — From his personal reflections on ambition.
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My one ambition is to leave a name that will be remembered.

1920s — Expressed in letters and interviews about his legacy.
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I do not know the power of the Spirit, but I know the power of the will.

1920s — Often cited in discussions about his skepticism towards spiritualism.
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The true secret of magic is illusion, not delusion.

1920s — From his writings on the ethics of magic.
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I am a slave to my profession.

1920s — Reflecting on the demands of his career.
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My brain is the key.

early 1900s — A concise version of his frequent statement about mental agility.
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I am a showman, not a fakir.

1920s — Distinguishing himself from fraudulent spiritualists.
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The human mind is the greatest mystery of all.

1920s — A philosophical musing on the nature of perception and belief.
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My goal is to convince people that they can do anything if they set their mind to it.

1920s — From an interview about the message behind his escapes.
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I have broken every jail in the world, and I have never been caught.

early 1900s — A boast often made during his performances.
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The impossible is only the untried.

1920s — A motivational statement reflecting his approach to challenges.
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I can escape from anything but the grave.

1920s — A somber reflection on mortality.
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My life has been one long escape.

1920s — A retrospective comment on his life's work.
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I am not afraid of death, but I do not want to die.

1920s — A personal reflection on his mortality.
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