Tufte's intriguing analysis

Throughout Chapter 1: Images & Quantities Tufte discusses how maps can be misleading if not represented correctly and accurately. When transferring actual sizes of 3D objects onto paper, a 2d surface, one needs to maintain a consistent relative scale or else misrepresentation comes into play. This chapter reminded me of art history books in which all artworks are scaled down to size so as to fit into the book, but if you actually went to a museum to see an artwork you quickly realize how hard it is to accurately interpret those images in books. Therefore, it is crucial to describe images, displayed in books, as accurately as possible, so as to not misguide the viewer from the real size of the images.

Secondly, in Chapter 3: Explaining Magic Tufte uses magic as an example for describing disinformation design, which in essence is described as providing misleading information. In relation to magic, it means to create illusions. I thought it was crazy how even though this chapter gave a detailed description of how certain magic tricks work I still could not go out and perform any of them myself. Even though it revealed certain illusions that magicians use to stun their audience, I still would be amazed if I saw it performed. Just as Tufte described, the drawings don't do justice to the actual stunt being performed.

Tufte also said that tricks are actually simplistic but are made to look complicated. I disagree with that because magicians need to remember certain techniques, depending on the trick at hand, in order to make the trick look believable. Also, timing is crucial. Magicians need to practice, practice, practice otherwise they might reveal the wrong information to their audience and spoil the trick. They also need to know how much information they should reveal to the audience without giving away the surprise. In conclusion, a lot is placed on the magician's plate when it comes to performing tricks accurately and effectively. Magic is a complex thing and the smallest slip could cost the magician the satisfaction of amazing their audience.