Unravel the enigmatic world of Sherlock Holmes through his most memorable quotes. These timeless words, brimming with wit and wisdom, offer a unique perspective on life, making them a must-know for every aspiring sleuth and mystery enthusiast.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a master stylist who wrote across multiple genres
He penned a wide array of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery tales, interweaving humor, romance, and well-researched history throughout his work.
- Sherlock Holmes, his fictional private detective, is perhaps his most famous work, and has left a lasting impact on pop culture.
The Valley of Fear Quotes from The Final Sherlock Holmes Novel
“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.” – “The best of men know that there are even better among them. The valley of fear epitomizes mediocrity.”
Sherlock Holmes Quotes from A Study in Scarlet
“To a great mind, nothing is little.”
- Sherlock Holmes quote hails from the pages of the novel A Study In Scarlet, which was the very first appearance of Sherlock Holmes.
- Imagination knows no bounds, and when given the opportunity it will expand to fill in all the details it doesn’t know, often leaping to frightening conclusions. Lucky for Holmes, his rich imagination is tempered by his dogged pursuit of the absolute truth.
Sherlock Holmes Quotes from The Hound of the Baskervilles
“Now is the dramatic moment of fate, Watson, when you hear a step upon the stair which is walking into your life, and you know not whether for good or ill.” – “Letting anyone in your life is always a gamble. You must take the big risk.”
Sherlock Holmes Quotes from The Sign of the Four
“I never make exceptions. An exception disproves the rule.”
- Sherlock Holmes, justifying his cocaine use to a greatly unimpressed Dr. Watson.
- “But love is an emotional thing, and whatever is emotional is opposed to that true cold reason which I place above all things.”
- Sherlock is referring to his distance from emotional factors when passing judgement upon another person.
Sherlock Holmes Quotes from The Return of Sherlock Holmes
“Work is the best antidote of sorrow, my dear Watson.” – “The Adventure of the Empty House” (1903)
- Sherlock Holmes drags Watson out of bed to investigate a murder, his energy speaks to the thrill he gets out of the chase.
Sherlock Holmes Quotes from His Last Bow
“Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last.” – “The Adventure of the Red Circle” (1911)
- Everyone benefits from continuing education, even genius detectives. – “I should prefer that you do not mention my name at all in connection with this case, as I choose to be only associated with those crimes which present some difficulty in their solution.”
- Sherlock Holmes
- “I am a brain, Watson; the rest of me is a mere appendix. The rest of my worth adds even more bittersweet depth to his complicated character.” – ‘Come at once if convenient-if inconvenient come all the same.’’
Quotes from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
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. – “You see, but you do not observe.” – “A Scandal in Bohemia” (1891) Holmes criticizes Watson’s lack of inclination to take his investigations to the next level.
- The answers to life’s mysteries are all around, but one has to do more than look at what’s in front of them-they must deduce. – “My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so.”
- The Red-Headed League”
- While Holmes is ultimately helping people with his investigations, the cases he takes on are necessary for him as well. The occupation of his brain and the sense of purpose are what keeps him going.
Sherlock Holmes Quotes from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
“I follow my own methods, and tell as much or as little as I choose. That is the advantage of being unofficial.” – “The Adventure of Silver Blaze” (1892)
- Holmes offers this simple moralization to a man he questions outside of a crime scene.
- He rarely underestimates women in his investigations-a tactic which those on the other side of his deductions would be better of adhering to. – “A man always finds it hard to realize that he may have finally lost a woman’s love. However, it’s every man’s business to see justice done.” – “The Adventures of the Crooked Man” (1893)
- Holmes mentions his brother Mycroft to Watson for the first time.
