by Brad Vandenheuvel

Created on: July 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2011

History shows us that people have been fascinated with the supernatural since the dawn of our existence. Humans are the only living creatures on earth that have the ability to think beyond logic and carnal desire, and incorporating creativity in the thought process. This creativity allows us to paint pictures, create stories, design tools and buildings, and use our imagination for both work and pleasure. Our imagination allows us to ponder the unknown. Questions surrounding magic,outer space, and even the concept of life after death are all a result of human creativity and the use of imagination.

 These subjects have always seemed to capture human attention because they involve topics that have been considered a mystery for centuries and are unlikely to ever be answered.  No matter how much logic or math we humans apply in an attempt to solve the many mysteries of magic and the supernatural, answers to these questions will likely remain beyond our comprehension. The subject of magic in particular is appealing to humans because it gives us the freedom to use our imagination in a world where nearly every question seems to already have an answer. In other words, thinking about magic allows humans to break away and escape from all of the predictable, explainable facts of life. In doing so magic opens up a world of mystery, adventure, and excitement. A world where anything is possible and questions are better left unanswered.

In this magical world all of our wildest and most sincere dreams can come true. Just imagine a potion that could heal even the most grevious of wounds, a wand that had the power to make one invisible, and brooms that could fly, making any destination a possibility. Travel in the blink of an eye, limitless power, and unobstructed freedom are but a few of the endless possibilities that are offered through a belief in magic. Through stories of magic people can get lost in a world of their own, a place of perfection where troubles diminish, and life becomes stress-free and easy.

Humans as a species have always found enjoyment through the use of the imagination. This is because through the imagination and notions of magic we become godlike, superior beings. People always strive to improve their situation in one way or another and only in  magic can an easy path to improvement and achievement be found.  Humans (like most other evolutionary species) always strive to better their individual position, and it is the chase of a dream that makes life worth living. A quote from the character Achilles in the movie Troy reminds us that "The Gods envy us, everything is more beautiful because we are doomed". If every human being had magical powers and could not die, no day would be exciting, and no goals would seem important. People have always dreamed of obtaining these powers but they fail to realize that it is the pursuit of the dream that makes life worth living, not the dream itself.

People have always used magic as an escape from reality to a better place and a better life. It is only our failure to simply settle with life as it is, and constantly struggle for improvement that has created this fascination with magic. In simplest terms, human fascination with magic stems from the fact that through magic nothing is impossible, and all of ones goals and desires can be reached.

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