Magic is the use of supernatural forces to alter reality for the user. This is the entire intent of the use of magic in the fantasy genre. In the science fiction genre, we usually this kind of thing done as well, although the mechanism is usually mechanical or follows some bizarre physics laws that nobody understands. This is probably why both genres usually get clumped together.
Magic thinking is a pattern of thought where the individual literally believes that performing certain actions will alter or change reality. It is a common pattern of thinking for most Utopians, who believe that humanity can be fixed if we only collectivize or if we completely eliminate the government or if we only invade a foreign nation.
It is a pattern of thinking that denies the reality of the situation and declares that the delusion is the reality. You may come across it at work where a project must be done in a certain way by a certain date despite the lack of funding and resources. Usually such projects are pushed by delusional middle managers who seek to get in the good graces of their sociopathic overlords.
In the bureaucracy, we see this kind of thinking all the time. It’s the judge who insists on forcing excessively high child support rates despite the reality that the father can’t make that much money (see Dave Foley’s talk of his divorce with Joe Rogan). It’s the cop who declares that bleeding on him is assault, despite the fact that the cop is one who caused the bleeding by kicking said perpetrator in the head. It’s the crazed TSA agent shouting “I’m God!” to an airplane passenger who is offering only mild defiance to his groping.
It’s also the customer who insists on getting coffee even though the coffee machine is broken and the mechanic’s butt crack is clearly visible over the counter. Or the insistence that the coffee is not 140 degrees as requested because it’s too hot, ignoring the fact that the barista has science on her side (my wife worked at Starbucks, in case you’re wondering).
It’s the woman who gets off on DUI and assaulting a police officer because she was PMSing at the time. It’s the guy who insists that he got that sandwich last week when the cashier knows it didn’t exist last week.
Magic thinking is an integral part of Leftist thinking, largely because the Left is Utopian. They believe that they can fix humanity through their own efforts, no matter how many mass graves may be needed. The political Right also falls prey to this kind of thinking, although it is usually because they have compromised with the Left, especially on issues like immigration and women’s rights.
Magic thinking is borderline insane thinking. In fact, the insane regularly engage in it. This is why it is insane to be Utopian. Try to realize the reality of your life and your situation and make conscious decisions based on that, not on magical thinking.
You might find yourself much more content if you do so. But for those who are engaged in it, keep them out of power in any capacity. They will only end up harming others..