Eugene Burger was a legendary magic teacher, and many of today’s greats benefited from his insight. The soft-spoken Chicagoan did an interview back in November 2011 with a French journalist. Burger touches on many topics, including his own journey to becoming a full-time magician and the importance of magic history.

His different definitions of success might be the most fascinating insight into Burger’s mind. Heads up for you philosophy geeks: Alan Watts figures prominently in that portion of the interview.

Burger may sadly be gone, but fortunately we do still have his words and ideas. His last book, Teaching Magic, came out in October and his PBS documentary The Art of Magic is on YouTube.