--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: MAGIC, n. An art of converting…" description: "\"MAGIC, n. An art of converting superstition into coin. There are other arts serving the same high purpose, but the discreet lexicographer does not name..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21c/ambrose-bierce-140_art_magic-n-an-art-of-converting-superstitio_2693928.jpg" --- # MAGIC, n. An art of converting superstition into coin… ![“MAGIC, n. An art of converting superstition into coin. There are other arts serving the same high purpose, but the discreet lexicographer does not name them.” quote by Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21c/ambrose-bierce-140_art_magic-n-an-art-of-converting-superstitio_2693928.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21c/ambrose-bierce-140_art_magic-n-an-art-of-converting-superstitio_2693928.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21c/ambrose-bierce-140_art_magic-n-an-art-of-converting-superstitio_2693928.jpg) > “MAGIC, n. An art of converting superstition into coin. There are other arts serving the same high purpose, but the discreet lexicographer does not name them.” [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Superstition can be turned into profit, suggesting belief systems are manipulable for gain. **In simple terms:** People profit from turning myths into money. Key Takeaway Question the value behind popular beliefs. Themes economics belief manipulation culture Mood skeptical analytical Type satirical philosophical When to use this quote - marketing - politics - religion - finance Key Concepts sociology critical thinking anthropology Questions to Reflect On - What makes a belief marketable? - When does belief become exploitation? A Different Perspective Not all superstitions are exploitative. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Lexicographer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lexicographer/) [Magic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magic/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) [Superstition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superstition/) [Superstitions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superstitions/) ## Related quotes > [Magic: (n) The art of converting superstition into coin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/magic-n-the-art-of-converting-superstition-into-coin/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [“LEXICOGRAPHER, n. A pestilent fellow who, under the pretense of recording some particular stage in the development of a language, does what he can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/lexicographer-n-a-pestilent-fellow-who-under-the-pretense-of-2/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [KISS, n. A word invented by the poets as a rhyme for "bliss." It is supposed to signify, in a general way, some kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/kiss-n-a-word-invented-by-the-poets-as-a-rhyme-for-bliss-it-is/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [OBSOLETE, adj. No longer used by the timid. Said chiefly of words. A word which some lexicographer has marked obsolete is ever thereafter an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/obsolete-adj-no-longer-used-by-the-timid-said-chiefly-of-words-a-word/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [LEXICOGRAPHER, n. A pestilent fellow who, under the pretense of recording some particular stage in the development of a language, does what he can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/lexicographer-n-a-pestilent-fellow-who-under-the-pretense-of/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Patriotism, n. Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name. In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary patriotism is defined…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/patriotism-n-combustible-rubbish-ready-to-the-torch-of-any-one/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [ABNORMAL, adj. Not conforming to standard. In matters of thought and conduct, to be independent is to be abnormal, to be abnormal is to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/abnormal-adj-not-conforming-to-standard-in-matters-of-thought-and/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [The bold and discerning writer who, recognizing the truth that language must grow by innovation if it grow at all, makes new words and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/the-bold-and-discerning-writer-who-recognizing-the-truth-that/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Magic is the art of thinking, not strength or language.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-paolini/magic-is-the-art-of-thinking-not-strength-or-language/) [Christopher Paolini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-paolini/) > [I don't distinguish between magic and art. When I got into magic, I realised I had been doing it all along, ever since I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-moore/i-don-t-distinguish-between-magic-and-art-when-i-got-into-magic-i/) [Alan Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-moore/) > [Well, I also love magic, which is, you know, different than showmanship. Magic's an art where you use slight of hand or illusion to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-blaine/well-i-also-love-magic-which-is-you-know-different-than-showmanship/) [David Blaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-blaine/) > [Magic and art tend to share a lot of the same language. They both talk about evocation, invocation, and conjuring.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-moore/magic-and-art-tend-to-share-a-lot-of-the-same-language-they-both-talk/) [Alan Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-moore/) > [“Owen remarked "The basis of science and art is magical - vice versa, magic is art and science. It goes both ways. There's not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luvelle-raevan/owen-remarked-the-basis-of-science-and-art-is-magical-vice-versa/) Luvelle Raevan > [“Both money and art powdered as they are with the romance and poetry of the age are magic. Rather money is magic art is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-robbins/both-money-and-art-powdered-as-they-are-with-the-romance-and-poetry/) [Tom Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-robbins/) > [Without magic, there is no art. Without art, there is no idealism. Without idealism, there is no integrity. Without integrity, there is nothing but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raymond-chandler/without-magic-there-is-no-art-without-art-there-is-no-idealism/) [Raymond Chandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raymond-chandler/) ## More by Ambrose Bierce > [OBSESSED, p.p. Vexed by an evil spirit, like the Gadarene swine and other critics. Obsession was once more common than it is now. Arasthus…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/obsessed-p-p-vexed-by-an-evil-spirit-like-the-gadarene-swine-and/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [DECIDE, v.i. To succumb to the preponderance of one set of influences over another set.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/decide-v-i-to-succumb-to-the-preponderance-of-one-set-of-influences/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [IMMORAL, adj. Inexpedient. Whatever in the long run and with regard to the greater number of instances men find to be generally inexpedient comes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/immoral-adj-inexpedient-whatever-in-the-long-run-and-with-regard-to/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [REVIEW, v.t. To set your wisdom (holding not a doubt of it./ Although in truth there's neither bone nor skin to it)/ At work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/review-v-t-to-set-your-wisdom-holding-not-a-doubt-of-it-although-in/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [CLOCK, n. A machine of great moral value to man, allaying his concern for the future by reminding him what a lot of time…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/clock-n-a-machine-of-great-moral-value-to-man-allaying-his-concern/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [RUBBISH, n. Worthless matter, such as the religions, philosophies, literatures, arts and sciences of the tribes infesting the regions lying due south from Boreaplas.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/rubbish-n-worthless-matter-such-as-the-religions-philosophies/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [There was never a genius who was not thought a fool until he disclosed himself; whereas he is a fool then only.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/there-was-never-a-genius-who-was-not-thought-a-fool-until-he/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/telephone-n-an-invention-of-the-devil-which-abrogates-some-of-the/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [WHANGDEPOOTENAWAH, n. In the Ojibwa tongue, disaster; an unexpected affliction that strikes hard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/whangdepootenawah-n-in-the-ojibwa-tongue-disaster-an-unexpected/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Jealous, adj. Unduly concerned about the preservation of that which can be lost only if not worth keeping.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/jealous-adj-unduly-concerned-about-the-preservation-of-that-which-can/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [RIDICULE, n. Words designed to show that the person of whom they are uttered is devoid of the dignity of character distinguishing him who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/ridicule-n-words-designed-to-show-that-the-person-of-whom-they-are/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Think twice before you speak to a friend in need](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/think-twice-before-you-speak-to-a-friend-in-need/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [HERMIT, n. A person whose vices and follies are not sociable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/hermit-n-a-person-whose-vices-and-follies-are-not-sociable/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [TARIFF, n. A scale of taxes on imports, designed to protect the domestic producer against the greed of his consumer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/tariff-n-a-scale-of-taxes-on-imports-designed-to-protect-the-domestic/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [A bad marriage is like an electrical thrilling machine: it makes you dance, but you can't let go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/a-bad-marriage-is-like-an-electrical-thrilling-machine-it-makes-you/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) [Explore all 1,157 Ambrose Bierce quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) ## More Art quotes > [True works of art contain their own theory and give us the measurement according to which we should judge them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/true-works-of-art-contain-their-own-theory-and-give-us-the/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [Before Noah, men having only water to drink, could not find the truth. Accordingly...they became abominably wicked, and they were justly exterminated by the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/before-noah-men-having-only-water-to-drink-could-not-find-the-truth/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) > [“Hear the sum of the whole matter in the compass of one brief word — every art possessed by man comes from Prometheus.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aeschylus/hear-the-sum-of-the-whole-matter-in-the-compass-of-one-brief-word/) [Aeschylus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aeschylus/) > [I think most artists feel like they're outside society - no matter how many accolades they receive, or how much money is in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-rose/i-think-most-artists-feel-like-they-re-outside-society-no-matter-how/) [Aaron Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-rose/) > [The capacity to be puzzled is the premise of all creation, be it in art or in science.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-fromm/the-capacity-to-be-puzzled-is-the-premise-of-all-creation-be-it-in/) [Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-fromm/) > [That's the great secret of creativity. You treat ideas like cats: you make them follow you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-bradbury/that-s-the-great-secret-of-creativity-you-treat-ideas-like-cats-you/) [Ray Bradbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-bradbury/) > [“So, really," continued Jacob as if this were perfectly normal to expound on art in these circumstances, "when you think about it, the artists…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justina-chen-headley/so-really-continued-jacob-as-if-this-were-perfectly-normal-to-expound/) [Justina Chen Headley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justina-chen-headley/) > [“There are two options in art; either to adopt philosophical life by dissecting art, or to write your own philosophical life and claim it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/taf-teh/there-are-two-options-in-art-either-to-adopt-philosophical-life-by/) Taf Teh > [The house has to serve comfort. The work of art is revolutionary; the house is conservative.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adolf-loos/the-house-has-to-serve-comfort-the-work-of-art-is-revolutionary-the/) [Adolf Loos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adolf-loos/) > [During human progress, every science is evolved out of its corresponding art.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-spencer/during-human-progress-every-science-is-evolved-out-of-its/) [Herbert Spencer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-spencer/) > [In literature and art memory is a synonym for invention. It is the life-blood of imagination, which faints and dies when the veins are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-aris-willmott/in-literature-and-art-memory-is-a-synonym-for-invention-it-is-the/) [Robert Aris Willmott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-aris-willmott/) > [I think a business guy is different from an artist. They walk different paths. Artists create the best outputs when they're having fun. 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