Have you ever met someone who seems to have an extraordinary ability to make things happen effortlessly? It's like they have a magical touch that turns every task into a success. These individuals possess a unique combination of skills, traits, and mindset that sets them apart from the rest. First and foremost, people with the magic touch are incredibly confident. They have unwavering belief in their abilities and what they can achieve. This confidence drives them to take risks and embrace challenges without fear of failure. They understand that setbacks are just opportunities for growth and learning.
I received a review copy from the publisher which in no way swayed my opinion about the work.
Elizabeth is one of the best witch hunters in Anglia and a member of the King s elite guard, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and bringing those who practice it to justice. And indeed, just as through the first defect in their intelligence that are more prone to abjure the faith; so through their second defect of inordinate affections and passions they search for, brood over, and inflict various vengeances, either by witchcraft, or by some other means.
They understand that setbacks are just opportunities for growth and learning. Alongside their confidence, those with the magic touch are highly motivated and driven. They set ambitious goals for themselves and work tirelessly to achieve them.
Malleus Maleficarum, Witch Hunter Manual
Perhaps the most spectacular manifestation of early modern European discrimination against women was the conviction of thousands of women for witchcraft. Over three centuries, more than 40,000 people were executed as witches, 75 percent of them female. The greatest witch hunts occurred from the 1550s to the 1660s in the Franco-German borderlands, areas wracked by the religious struggles of the Reformation.
The following excerpt comes from the most famous manual for witch hunters, the Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of Witches) written in 1487 by a Dominican monk, Heinrich Kramer (1430-1505). The Pope appointed Kramer an inquisitor in 1484, with the mission to eliminate heresy in southern Germany. Kramer moved ruthlessly to do away with witches, who were believed to gain evil powers through pacts with the Devil. Written to justify his actions, Kramer’s manual presented witchcraft as a growing threat to Christianity, arguing that witches not only used their powers against common folk, but also led Christians to perdition. Kramer also argued that women were particularly susceptible to the crime because of their inability to control their passions, a commonly-held viewpoint. Although never officially accepted by the Church, Kramer’s work greatly influenced secular magistrates across Europe; it was they who ordered the execution of the majority of so-called witches.
This source is a part of the Women in the Early Modern World, 1500-1800 teaching module.
Heinrich Kramer, Malleus Maleficarum, 1487, Women in World History
Text
The First Part Treating of the Three Necessary Concomitants of Witchcraft, Which are the Devil, a Witch, and the Permission of Almighty God
Question VI. Concerning Witches who copulate with Devils. Why is it that Women are chiefly addicted to Evil Superstitions?
Therefore, let us now chiefly consider women; and first, why this kind of perfidy is found more in so fragile a sex than in men. And our inquiry will first be general, as to the general conditions of women; secondly, particular, as to which sort of women are found to be given to superstition and witchcraft; and thirdly, specifically with regard to midwives, who surpass all others in wickedness . . .
As for the first question, why a greater number of witches is found in the fragile feminine sex than among men; it is indeed a fact that it were idle to contradict, since it is accredited by actual experience, apart from the verbal testimony of credibly witnesses . . .
For some learned men propound this reason; that there are three things in nature, the Tongue, an Ecclesiastic, and a Woman, which know no moderation in goodness or vice; and when they exceed the bounds of their condition they reach the greatest heights and the lowest depths of goodness and vice. When they are governed by a good spirit, they are most excellent in virtue; but when they are governed by an evil spirit, they indulge the worst possible vices . . .
Others again have propounded other reasons why there are more superstitious women found than men. And the first is, that they are more credulous; and since the chief aim of the devil is to corrupt faith, therefore he rather attacks them… The second reason is, that women are naturally more impressionable, and more ready to receive the influence of a disembodied spirit; and that when they use this quality well they are very good, but when they use it ill they are very evil….The third reason is that they have slippery tongues, and are unable to conceal from the fellow-women those things which by evil arts they know; and, since they are weak, they find an easy and secret manner of vindicating themselves by witchcraft….All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman. And to this may be added that, as they are very impressionable, they act accordingly.
But because in these times this perfidy is more often found in women than in men, as we learn by actual experience, if anyone is curious as to the reason, we may add to what has already been said the following: that since they are feebler both in mind and body, it is not surprising that they should come more under the spell of witchcraft . . .
But the natural reason is that she is more carnal than a man, as is clear from her many carnal abominations. And it should be noted that there was a defect in the formation of the first woman, since she was formed from a bent rib, that is, a rib of the breast, which is bent as it were in a contrary direction to a man. And since through this defect she is an imperfect animal, she always deceives . . .
And indeed, just as through the first defect in their intelligence that are more prone to abjure the faith; so through their second defect of inordinate affections and passions they search for, brood over, and inflict various vengeances, either by witchcraft, or by some other means. Wherefore it is no wonder that so great a number of witches exist in this sex . . .
To conclude. All witchcraft comes from carnal lust, which is in women insatiable. See Proverbs xxx: There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, a fourth thing which says not, It is enough; that is, the mouth of the womb. Wherefore for the sake of fulfilling their lusts they consort even with devils. More such reasons could be brought forward, but to the understanding it is sufficiently clear that it is no matter for wonder that there are more women than men found infected with the heresy of witchcraft. And in consequence of this, it is better called the heresy of witches than of wizards, since the name is taken from the more powerful party. And blessed be the Highest Who has so far preserved the male sex from so great a crime: for since He was willing to be born and to suffer for us, therefore He has granted to men the privilege.
Credits
Kramer, Heinrich. Malleus Maleficarum. Translated by Rev. Montague Summers. London: J. Rodker, 1928.
Heinrich Kramer, Malleus Maleficarum, 1487, Women in World History
They have a strong focus on what they want to accomplish, and their dedication is unwavering. They do not settle for mediocrity but constantly push themselves to excel. One of the defining characteristics of individuals with the magic touch is their exceptional problem-solving skills. They have the ability to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex issues. Their creativity and ability to connect diverse ideas allow them to come up with solutions that others may overlook. Additionally, people with the magic touch have excellent interpersonal skills. They are charismatic, likable, and have a natural ability to connect with others. They are effective communicators and listeners, enabling them to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with others. They know how to inspire and motivate those around them, drawing out the best in people. Lastly, those with the magic touch possess an optimistic and positive mindset. They approach challenges with a can-do attitude and maintain their optimism even in the face of adversity. They see failures as stepping stones to success and refuse to let setbacks dampen their spirits. This unwavering positivity allows them to bounce back quickly from disappointments and keeps them focused on their ultimate objectives. In conclusion, individuals with the magic touch possess a captivating combination of confidence, motivation, problem-solving skills, interpersonal abilities, and an optimistic mindset. These qualities enable them to achieve remarkable success and make things happen effortlessly. While some people may appear to be born with the magic touch, these skills and traits can be developed and cultivated with time and effort..
Reviews for "The untapped potential of empathy: The magic touch of compassion"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "Yoou got the magic touch" to be a complete disappointment. The plot was predictable and lacked originality. The characters felt one-dimensional and were not relatable at all. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward dialogue and excessive use of cliches. Overall, the book failed to captivate my interest and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Jacob - 2 stars
I wanted to like "Yoou got the magic touch," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story had an interesting premise, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, with moments that dragged on for too long and others that felt rushed. The main character was also incredibly annoying and made irrational decisions throughout the book. I struggled to connect with any of the characters, and the ending felt forced and unsatisfying. It had potential, but it ultimately missed the mark.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about "Yoou got the magic touch." While the concept was intriguing, the overall execution left much to be desired. The plot felt disjointed, with unnecessary subplots that only served to confuse the reader. The character development was lacking, and I found it challenging to invest in their stories. Additionally, the writing style was inconsistent, often switching between different tenses and perspectives without any clear reason. While the book had its moments, it failed to fully engage me and left me feeling underwhelmed.