What if the universe always works your way... But only for you?
People tend to assume that rules define how everything works.
That is to say:
(Rules/Reality) -> defines -> (Magic/Emotions)
For example, because of the exact position of every atom inside my head, their energy, and the set of rules known as physics, I feel happy today.
Or:
(atom+position+energy+physics) -> defines -> (happy)
But this becomes problematic very quickly. What about philosophical things, like "free will" or "choice". Are we actually incapable of influencing the world around me? Do we have a set, inescapable fate?
What if it doesn't work this way?
Instead, let's try this:
(Magic/Emotions) -> defines -> (Reality/Rules)
For example:
Because everybody expects the sun will to rise tomorrow, it will.
(expectations) -> defines -> (sun rise tomorrow)
So a "magician" is capable of influencing small amounts of reality, by refusing to believe the world works how it should. This allows them to create incredibly paradoxical situations.
Since scientifically-minded people understand very well how the world should work, they become incapable of witnessing magic that they don't already expect to work.
From the scientists' point of view, the universe follows well known rules, and responds as it should. 283
They are incapable of understanding Magic.
From the Magicians' point of view, the universe is pliable, and they can break any rules in any way they desire, so long as they manage to overthink/overpower the minds of those around them.
From the layperson's point of view, both sides would be correct, to some extent. The layperson doesn't understand enough of the world to disprove either side, they are capable of witnessing anything, since they don't think anything is impossible.
Obviously, these "laypeople" don't actually exist. People would have various degrees of belief, somewhere between the two sides. This is how our world works, although it is currently dominated by scientifically-minded people.
Is the universe defined by how we think it works? Or are we defined by how the universe works? These two conflicting schools of thought are the very basis of science and magic. Of course they can't get along! 283