What I Have Learned from Sherlock Holmes

I am almost finished with the Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes, and I wanted to list the top ten things I have learned so far from the famous sleuth:

1) In the words of Mr. Holmes: "I never guess. It is a shocking habit — destructive to the logical faculty." Mr. Holmes also stated that "It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts." Theorizing without appropriate and accurate data is not only useless but also potentially dangerous.

2) In the words of Mr. Holmes: .".....when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

3) Genius does not come from being conventional. Don't be afraid to think and act outside of the confines of your comfort zone.

4) In the words of Mr. Holmes: "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of trifles." Mr. Holmes also stated that "It is, of course, a trifle, but there is nothing so important as trifles." There are no such things as insignificant details. There are only less significant details. The more we train ourselves to be curious and observant, the more likely it is we will be successful in our endeavors.

5) In the words of Mr. Holmes: "In solving a problem of this sort, the grand thing is to be able to reason backward." This mirrors the concept Charlie Munger (Warren Buffett's business partner) so often mentions: Invert. Always Invert.

6) To the man with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Sherlock Holmes is a man of many talents and curiosities and uses many different disciplines (science, psychology, persuasion, physical strength, etc., etc.) to solve problems.

7) In the words of Mr. Holmes: "Education never ends Watson. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last." Never, ever, ever stop learning.

8) Distracting your mind is often the best way to solve a problem. Mr. Holme's greatest insights often came at moments when was doing a random science experiment, taking a walk, playing his violin, or smoking his pipe.

9) Develop odd friendships and learn to be comfortable in any setting. Mr. Holmes was as comfortable in the presence of royalty as he was in the boxing ring with someone trying to knock his block off. Don't be afraid to develop odd friendships with odd individuals.

10) Be just. Sherlock Holmes is not afraid to get his hands a little dirty every now and again, but he never loses sight of justice and righteousness.