Most of us have either uttered (usually inappropriately), or been on the receiving end of the epithet, “No s**t, Sherlock” when pointing out, or having it pointed out to us, something that is obvious to everyone else. Clearly a backhanded accolade to one of the most popular fictional characters in the detective story genre: Sherlock Holmes. As the array of photos above of those actors who have played Holmes on film over the past hundred years attests, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories have enduring appeal.
Maybe it’s because a great detective story isn’t just about “who done it” but is also a lesson is how to think. More specifically, what separates us from even the most intelligent animals may not be our ability to think, but our ability to think about thinking.
A fascinating article in the Farnum Street blog contrasts the thought processes of the great detective Holmes versus the well-intentioned but often bumbling conclusions of his partner Dr. Watson. In particular, the article focuses on “mindfulness” about which we hear a lot these days. Improving mindfulness and other aspects of thinking that may help you solve the mysteries in your life (professional and personal). Take 12 minutes to learn Think Like Sherlock Holmes .
