Max Mednik
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Readings and musings

Notes on G-d No by Penn Jilette

10/17/2011

2 Comments

 
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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
  • 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.
Art and magic
  • 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)
King of the ex-Jews
  • 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, tattoos, and autotune
  • 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.
Libertarian atheism
  • 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
2 Comments
Harry J. Stamatis
1/6/2012 01:24:18 am

Dear Mr. Mednik,

I have been reading the Steve Jobs biography by Isaacson and was googling Jobs when I came across your review of the book. I then started to check out your website and found it very interesting and thought provoking.

Your October 17th post about Penn's new book led me to asking you a question about the existence of God.
You state that if given evidence perhaps one would believe in God.
If you don't mind, can you expound on that comment? What kind of evidence would be sufficient to accept the existence of God?
I realize you are probably occupied with many other pursuits as I have seen from browsing your site. I cannot begin to imagine being able to accomplish one tenth of what you have already accomplished in such a short time. I really mean that sincerely.
Yet if you have a moment I would be delighted as to your response.

Best regards,

Harry J. Stamatis

Reply
Max
1/6/2012 08:46:58 am

Hi, Harry. Thanks for your comments and for reading.

That line was from Penn's book, so it'd be better to ask him (twitter.com/pennjillette) if you want to know what he meant.

I think the type of "evidence" he'd find convincing (from what I remember after reading his book) is something hugely impossible and amazing, like seeing someone fly (for real) or die and be reincarnated (and have that be scientifically verified). He writes about the many claims of supernatural phenomena, none of which has passed scientific scrutiny. I think what he's talking about is seeing something "impossible" that does pass that test.

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