Notes on G-d No by Penn Jilette

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