David Blaine: THIS Was The Scariest Thing I've Ever Done

David Blaine recounts his 44-day suspension in a box in London, revealing he was on the edge of irreversible organ failure and still experiences effects from it 22 years later.

Blaine's fascination with magic began early, sparked by a friend's trick, street performers in Coney Island, and subway magicians. He also found handling cards meditative and was motivated by his mother's positive reactions to his tricks.

The endurance aspect of magic, pushing human limits, captivates Blaine. He describes his obsession with fasting, initially as a practical measure for stunts but evolving into an experience of heightened awareness.

For his 44-day fast, Blaine committed publicly to ensure he would go through with it. He studied hunger strikers and experienced physical changes like a pear taste in his mouth and heart palpitations. He acknowledges the stunt had lasting negative effects.

Blaine emphasizes his research and calculated risk-taking in his stunts. He consults experts and studies past events to understand the potential for permanent damage, becoming more cautious after having his daughter.

Many of Blaine's stunts are inspired by stories and historical figures, reflecting his fascination with what the human body can endure.

During a breath-holding attempt, Blaine reached over 20 minutes but was pulled out due to his heart rate dropping dangerously low. He felt at peace, highlighting the body's surprising survival mechanisms.

Blaine describes witnessing seemingly impossible feats in India, performed by individuals with generational knowledge, blurring the lines between magic and reality.

His interest shifted from traditional magic to the believability of real human endurance. He recounts pushing a serrated knife into his nose after observing another performer, even getting an X-ray to see its proximity to his nervous system.

Blaine acknowledges the extreme danger of his stunts, mentioning the bullet catch's deadly history for magicians and his own risky attempts. He also recounts his fall during his Vegas show, emphasizing his luck in avoiding more severe injury.

The scariest thing Blaine has ever done was sitting in a small enclosure with six black mambas, trusting the expertise of a man who could remain calm around them. This experience highlighted the power of stillness and non-aggression with dangerous animals.

Blaine stresses the importance of trusting mentors and teachers who possess deep understanding and skill in their respective fields.

He believes in constantly pushing comfort zones for personal growth, learning, and experiencing life more intensely, advocating for baby steps in facing discomfort.

Interestingly, Blaine found giving a TED Talk more difficult and uncomfortable than his extreme physical feats like holding his breath for over 20 minutes.

The memory of his mother's death and her final words, "God is love," profoundly impacted Blaine. He describes feeling a deep sense of loss but also experiencing signs from her during his stunts, reinforcing his belief in a continued connection.

Blaine has an open perspective on the mystical, believing that if you are open to signs, you will find them.

During his 44-day fast, Blaine learned that everything is perspective and boredom is a choice, leading to heightened awareness and clarity.

Books have significantly shifted Blaine's perspective, with "Don Quixote" by Cervantes being particularly influential due to its themes of hope and striving despite seemingly impossible odds.

Blaine views everyone as having their own unique passions and skills, fostering a sense of shared humanity.

His bridge dive on fire fulfilled a long-held ambition. Blaine believes that if one person can achieve something, it opens the possibility for others, emphasizing the continuous improvement of humanity.

Blaine values finding a "monk" – an inspiring figure who can shift one's life trajectory – and the importance of being open to such influences.

In a rapid-fire question round, Blaine's best advice is to surround yourself with inspiring people; the worst advice is to give up on dreams. His three life messages are finding magic everywhere, the power of connection and surrender (like with his daughter), and always experiencing wonder. For him, "God is love" means Love is God and embodies surrender. His one law for the world would be the law of Love, and he feels the least ego when with his daughters.