25 Best Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes About Sherlock Holmes

One of the most well known fictional characters of all time

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes
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Sherlock Holmes, a character created by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his 23 book collection, is probably one of the most well known fictional characters of all time, portrayed in movie re-makes by many actors such as Robert Downey Jr., Jeremy Brett, and Benedict Cumberbatch. 

What makes the character probably relatable to a lot of viewers and readers is the human side of his stories — Sherlock Holmes is not like Superman who has powers to fly away and shoot lasers out of his eyes, he’s just a smart man with a unique and clever way to solve mysteries. The character has most likely served as inspiration for other actors and characters as the detail seeking detective that we know and love. 

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We all do love the mystery in his stories, that's why shows like Gravity Falls and the British drama series, Sherlockhave such a cult following. What we love most though is the characters ability to make astute observations based on the most orthodox things. A lot of what makes Holmes unique as a detective is his expert level of observation and skepticism.  

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A lot of the things Holmes says now like “elementary my dear Watson” doesn’t appear in the earlier stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and some of the key side characters and Sherlock Holmes' drug use don't appear in the early stories. During World War Two, for example, he appeared in a lot of ally propaganda films against the Axis. Winston Churchill and Franklin Rosevelt both were obsessed with the stories of Sherlock Holmes. That is to show there is a lot of unique ways of telling the story.

This adventures of Sherlock Holmes have been told many times when it comes to TV, books, radio, all kinds of different types of media. Here are some of the most noteworthy and timeless Sherlock Holmes Quotes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

1. No one better than Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes

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“There is no one who knows the higher criminal world of London so well as I do.” — Sherlock Holmes

2. Use your imagination.

“We balance probabilities and choose the most likely. It is the scientific use of the imagination.”  Sherlock Holmes

3. Know what others don't.

“My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people don’t know.”  Sherlock Holmes

4. Age doesn't matter.

“I trust that age doth not wither nor custom stale my infinite variety.”  Sherlock Holmes

5. Go against all odds.

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes

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“There is nothing more stimulating than a case where everything goes against you.”  Sherlock Holmes

RELATED: 18 Reasons 'Sherlock' Needs To Come Back Immediately

6. Come all the same

“Come at once if convenient — if inconvenient come all the same.”  Sherlock Holmes

7. Eliminate the impossible

"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. "  Sherlock Holmes

8. Violence creates violence 

"Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another."  Sherlock Holmes

9. Work to relieve pain

“Work is the best antidote to sorrow, my dear Watson.”  Sherlock Holmes

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10. Exercise is important

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes

“There can be no question, my dear Watson, of the value of exercise before breakfast.”  Sherlock Holmes

11. Discover 

“What one man can invent, another can discover.”  Sherlock Holmes

12. Remove bad habits

“I never guess. It is a shocking habit – destructive to the logical faculty.”  Sherlock Holmes

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13.  Don't get tricked with deception 

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes

“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”  Sherlock Holmes

RELATED: Sherlock's Engaged! 13 Reasons We Love Benedict Cumberbatch

14. Find the facts first then come to a conclusion 

“It is a capital mistake to theorize in advance of the facts. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts.”  Sherlock Holmes

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15. No one compares to Sherlock

“No man lives or has ever lived who has brought the same amount of study and of natural talent to the detection of crime which I have done.”  Sherlock Holmes

16. Observe what is seen as the obvious

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes”  Sherlock Holmes

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17. Concentrate on details

“Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details.”  Sherlock Holmes

18. Stock up with the right furniture

"I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose." ​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

19. Love ones are the worst

"Of all ghosts the ghosts of our old loves are the worst."​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

20. Always be skeptical

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes

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"Any truth is better than indefinite doubt. ​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

21. look for the details

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.”​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

22. Don't look like a fool

"His ignorance was as remarkable as his knowledge."​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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23. State your findings to people

"Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person."​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

24. Talent can see genius

"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

25. The little things are the most important

Sherlock Holmes Quotes, Arthur Conan Doyle Quotes

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“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infitnetly the most important.”​ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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If you're searching for the best quotes and memes to share with the people you love (or just want to feel inspired yourself) ... look no further! From the sweetest love quotes, inspirational sayings, and hilarious friendship truths, we've got you covered.

Steven Hall is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture, and relationship topics.