What Can We Learn From Sherlock Holmes?

Aug 23,2021

Sherlock Holmes, the greatest detective of all times (in my humble opinion) and the ultimate creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's mind. My favorite line from the book is "When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, must be the truth." I have to confess, I have a slight obsession with this particular series and that might be partially due to my admiration of Benedict Cumberbatch who is also now for Dr. Strange character in Avengers (another of my favorite series). Friends do tease me about it, but what can I say, the mind of Sherlock especially in this particular version of the old story coming to life in the modern setting is quite fascinating.

So what can we learn from one Mr Sherlock Holmes? Many things obviously. Look at how he approaches each case. Never look for obvious, ask impossible questions and when the answer seems to be found, ask yourself is it really that simple. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact." These modern times and challenges ahead have shown us that we need to think outside of the box, we need to question the "seen truth" and rely on the facts, but also on our own intuition and knowledge. Being seen as little different is not all that bad as long as one has an internal compass that guides him or her on the quest to the truth.

My favorite thing about Sherlock is his undying curiosity, the wonder of discovery and even the arrogance that comes with it. "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius." To succeed in life you have to be curious, you have to ask questions until you are sure you have the answers and even than you need to double check before you forge ahead. "It is capital offense to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist the facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts." In the world we live in now, it is important to be accurate and factual, no emotions or falsifying data to suit any narrative. When people tell me follow the science, my first question is: "whose science?". Stay vigil, stay informed. Make up your own mind. Seek the truth.

"Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons, with the greatest for the last." This is the most valuable lesson of all. Surround yourself with friends, colleagues, family. Collaborate and create a masterpiece together. We humans do not live in a vacuum and we thrive the most when loved and cherished by friends and family. We are all in this together, come and join my tribe.

KL