Gordon exposes the methods used by "psychics" and other practitioners of "extrasensory" powers for what they are - the sleight-of-hand and mentalist tricks that he and other magicians have used on stage for decades. The focus of the book is not, however, to merely debunk the excessive and unverifiable claims made by the paranormalists. As Gordon states, "It seems clear. Once a person comes under the influence of these supernatural beliefs, his or her mind ceases to function at a normal level of reasoning." By laying bare the dangers of uncritical acceptance of such claims, this book makes an impassioned plea for an increased use of rational intelligence and critical thinking skills for solving our problems.