"SORCERY, n. The ancient prototype and forerunner of political influence. It was, however, deemed less respectable and sometimes was punished by torture and death. Augustine Nicholas relates that a poor peasant who had been accused of sorcery was put to the torture to compel a confession. After enduring a few gentle agonies the suffering simpleton admitted his guilt, but naively asked his tormentors if it were not possible to be a sorcerer without knowing it."
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Sources
Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1911).
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Magic_(supernatural)
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Magic (supernatural)
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