As a fan of Penn and Teller, when I heard that Penn released a book, I knew I had to read it. I didn't know it would turn out to open my mind to new ways of thinking about religion, science, and magic, and make me laugh so much.
It was especially a treat to hear Penn himself read the book in the audio version.
Below are my main notes and takeaways from Penn Jilette's G-d, No!.
Atheism
What's the g on the joint?
Learning to fly, strip, and be weightless on a 747
It was especially a treat to hear Penn himself read the book in the audio version.
Below are my main notes and takeaways from Penn Jilette's G-d, No!.
Atheism
- Being atheist means saying I don't know
- Richard Feynman said I don't know
- Work hard to learn but state clearly the limit of your knowledge
- Not the belief that science knows everything
- (Lots of jokes and curse words omitted.)
- Humility of saying I don't know and being an atheist
- Believing in G-d means saying you know and understand
- If you say, "I don't know," it means you don't believe until you see evidence. It doesn't mean you say it will never happen.
- Believing in prayer that can change the world is arrogant since you believe you can make G-d change his mind. (I'm curious what Penn says about some studies that purport to have studied prayer's effects.)
- Started with a dishwashing job as a kid
- Suggestion: The highest ideals are human intelligence, creativity, and love. Respect these above all.
- The purpose of art is to inspire.
- The purpose of art is to stand naked on the stage.
- Loves the purity of Siegfried and Roy
- S&R created the big Vegas magic show; before, everyone just toured.
- Even though he made fun of them, they were the true artists.
- He stood by Roy's side in hospital
What's the g on the joint?
- What's the gaffe, the trick?
- Likes word "trick" because any trick is an illusion, and it should be that way.
- Should never lie to audience and want to make them believe; should lie and make it really obvious you are lying
- Penn started as juggler
- Can't fake or lie in juggling
- David Blaine, Chriss Angel wanting to make others believe when they lie
- Even if he really did some stunt, it doesn't matter.
- Still all just show biz stunt
- Never science or reality
- (Blaine still his friend)
- They always greet the audience after their show.
- Amazing Randy was his mentor.
- Richard Dawkins was his idol.
- Penn married stalker fan girl he met after show.
- Met ex-Orthodox Jew who became atheist after reading his book
- Atheist baptism naked parties with no alcohol or drugs; just celebration of loving and life
- Ate traif together
- Suggestion: Do not put things or ideas above human beings.
- Fake tits: all that matters is how much the owner of the tits likes them
- Never judge a stripper; she is showing herself better than you can.
- No real magic secrets; all secrets ugly.
- Real secret is that magicians are guarding an empty safe.
- Likes tattoos and big fake tits because they're a celebration of technology, humanity, and individual control
- Autotune technology makes all voices sound in tune with music -- amazing
- All of these are atheist
- Proselytizing is a moral imperative
- If you believe in truth, you must share it.
- Robert Houdin first came up with magicians dressing as audience (hat and tails) instead of like wizards.
- Agnostic is an intellectual term, not a religious one.
- Is there a G-d? You can say "I don't know."
- Do you believe in G-d? You must give a yes or no answer.
- Must speak what you think; spit it.
Learning to fly, strip, and be weightless on a 747
- Vomit comet: airplane ride going up and down to make you feel weightless.
- ZeroG company
- It's easier to be yourself when you decide there's no chance you will be a supreme court justice.
- Went to Club Baths gay bath in SF just to prove he could and wasn't a pussy
- No one approached them or hit on them; was pissed at rejection and didn't understand.
- (Funny story about sex underwater while diving omitted.)
- Suggestion: Love your family. Love is better than honor.
- Celebrates secular commercial "X-mas" tradition
- Libertarian atheist
- Be open with your agenda.
- Both of his parents died when he was performing.
- It's ok; keep performing, joke, embrace pain of life and live on.
- Lies are ok when for good purpose like family health.
- Libertarian: Should help others yourself; don't use government to force people to do something for you.
- You don't have to do anything for your country; just love your family and take care of others yourself.
- Hates TSA
- Wants to start a Pork, Bacon, and Kiss Airline
- 9/11: people attacked liberty, and we lost more liberty.
- Most people in the world are good.
- Allow people to bring anything they want on planes, and let the bad guys racially profile others. Good people will defend each other.
- Blame faith, not specific religion, for terrorism.
- "The Amazing" conference in Vegas
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