Lichtenberg's Avertissement

What it is

Lichtenberg's Avertissement is a satirical poster written by German scholar Georg Christoph Lichtenberg in January 1777. It targeted the performer Jacob Philadelphia, who advertised his show as scientific experiments but was viewed by Lichtenberg as a display of magical tricks. The text serves as an early critique of stage illusion, using hyperbole to demonstrate how easily audiences can be misled by extravagant claims and theatrical presentation.

Where it comes from

The poster originated in Göttingen, Germany, during a period when traveling performers often blended natural philosophy with entertainment. Lichtenberg, a professor at the local university, opposed Philadelphia's arrival. He composed the warning to dissuade students and townspeople from paying for the show. The document was posted publicly to alert the community about the nature of the upcoming exhibition.

How it is done

The text employs extreme exaggeration to mock the performer's marketing. It lists impossible feats, such as moving church weather vanes without magnets or extracting teeth and firing them from a cannon. These descriptions highlight the logical gaps in the performer's promises. By presenting these absurdities as facts, Lichtenberg aimed to expose the mechanics of deception inherent in the show.

Tools and materials

The primary tool is the printed broadside itself, distributed as a public notice. The content references various props mentioned in the fictionalized performance plan, including arsenic, lead, cannons, axes, and watches. These items are described not as actual tools used by Lichtenberg, but as part of the satirical narrative designed to ridicule the performer's act.

What it is for

The main goal was to protect the public from financial loss and intellectual deception. Lichtenberg sought to persuade citizens that the performance was a fraud rather than a genuine display of supernatural power. The poster also served as an educational tool, encouraging critical thinking and skepticism toward miraculous claims made by entertainers.

Who does it

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, a physicist and satirist, authored the text. His background in science informed his skeptical approach to the performer's claims. The poster reflects the role of scholars in the Enlightenment era who questioned traditional authority and promoted rational inquiry over superstition and theatrical mystification.

Peoples and places

The work is associated with the German academic community of Göttingen. It addresses the specific cultural context of 18th-century Germany, where university professors held significant influence over public opinion. The satire resonated with those familiar with the tension between emerging scientific thought and popular entertainment forms.

What people believe

The underlying worldview challenges the boundary between science and magic. Lichtenberg asserts that phenomena presented as supernatural are often merely clever manipulations. The text implies that belief in such miracles stems from a desire for wonder rather than evidence. It promotes a materialist perspective where all events have physical explanations.

When it is done

The poster was issued on January 7, 1777, just before the scheduled performances. It targeted the immediate timeframe of the event, urging people to avoid the shows on specific days. The timing was strategic, aiming to prevent ticket sales before the performer could establish a reputation in the city.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer later referenced the sixth trick in his critique of Kantian philosophy. He used the example to illustrate paradoxical doctrines that gain acceptance despite their logical inconsistencies. This connection highlights the enduring impact of the satire on philosophical discourse regarding perception and reality.

Compare and confuse

This work differs from religious warnings or moralistic tracts by focusing specifically on theatrical deception. It shares similarities with other Enlightenment critiques of superstition but uses humor and absurdity rather than direct argument. The style aligns with contemporary satirical literature that mocked charlatans and fake scientists.

Questions people ask about Lichtenberg's Avertissement

Good reading and sources

• Lichtenberg's Avertissement on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data