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Mentalism, mind reading and the art of getting inside your head

2,365,480 views | Derren Brown • TED2019

"Magic is a great analogy for how we edit reality and form a story -- and then mistake that story for the truth," says psychological illusionist Derren Brown. In a clever talk wrapped around a dazzling mind-reading performance, Brown explores the seductive appeal of finding simple answers to life's complex and subtle questions.

"Magic is a great analogy for how we edit reality and form a story -- and then mistake that story for the truth," says psychological illusionist Derren Brown. In a clever talk wrapped around a dazzling mind-reading performance, Brown explores the seductive appeal of finding simple answers to life's complex and subtle questions.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Check out Derren Brown: Secret on Broadway, beginning September 6.

About the speaker

Derren Brown

Psychological illusionist, author

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With beguiling feats of mind reading and suggestion, Derren Brown explores psychological manipulation and its implications for the human experience.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Check out Derren Brown: Secret on Broadway, beginning September 6.