Sherlock Holmes - the ultimate sleuth!

I have always enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes mysteries, not just for Holmes’ deductive reasoning of the solution to a crime but also for the remarkable quotations that still seem as relevant as they may have been in the Victorian times.

Following is a list of quotes from the Sherlock Holmes series of stories that I find the most contemplative:

1. 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. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things, so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it.
2. It was easier to know it than to explain why I know it. If you were asked to prove that two and two made four, you might find some difficulty, and yet you are quite sure of the fact.
3. When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
4. 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.
5. It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize, out of a number of facts, which are incidental and which vital. Otherwise your energy and attention must be dissipated instead of being concentrated.
6. What one man can invent another can discover.
7. Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.
8. Education never ends Watson. It is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last.
9. What you do in this world is a matter of no consequence. The question is, what can you make people believe that you have done.
10. His ignorance was as remarkable as his knowledge. (Dr. Watson about Holmes)

And now the wittiest passages:

Dr Leslie Armstrong - "I have heard your name, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and I am aware of your profession — one of which I by no means approve."

Holmes - "In that, Doctor, you will find yourself in agreement with every criminal in the country."

Holmes - “I followed you."

Sterndale (the murderer) - "I saw no one."

Holmes - “That is what you may expect to see when I follow you."

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

Come at once if convenient — if inconvenient come all the same.

(Holmes to Dr. Watson)

"I play the game for the game's own sake."

(Holmes - expressing his indifference toward any kind of public honour for solving a case of national importance)

Economics-making rational fools of people?

“Our criticism of the accepted classical theory of economics has consisted not so much in finding logical flaws in its analysis as in pointing out that its tacit assumptions are seldom or never satisfied, with the result that it cannot solve the economic problems of the actual world.”                                              

                                                                                                      - John Maynard Keynes

 Theories in Economics have often been criticised for relying on overly simplifying assumptions which are, many a times, in stark contrast to the actuality. Take, for instance, the most basic assumption - that of  'Rational choice'. According to this assumption, a person always reasons before taking an action (say, making a purchase) by weighing the pros and cons of the action against each other. However, in reality, individuals often base their choices on impulsive decisions; or sometimes they are not adept at judging what is good for them in terms of utility maximisation. Theories in Economics do not consider these inherent aspects of human behaviour.

Nonetheless, such assumptions are indispensable in formulating a theory and reaching some conclusion. They make it possible to study the interplay of a specific set of forces keeping other forces constant. Moreover, modern economists have been evaluating these unrealistic assumptions and there has recently been an increased interest in modeling non-rational decision making.

Is being an 'idiot' really so cool?

The tremendous success of  '3 Idiots', in a way, reflects the popular viewpoint of the present generation. While hard work, commitment and devotion towards one's job and honesty were once considered to be among the most prized qualities in a person, today these have been replaced by creativity, inherent intelligence, and street-smartness (even if it amounts to deceit). Those working hard to achieve their aim, rather than searching for shortcuts, are often ridiculed.

The movie compares rote-learning to some grave offence. So, what should someone not as intellectually endowed as the protagonist do-simply accept that academics are not his cup of tea and sit back? Isn't it better to try and make up for the lack of natural intelligence by working harder than others?

Further, the movie highlights the loopholes in the country's education system. Many of these are exaggerations but nevertheless, the sentiment has found collective endorsement from everyone. Everyone jumped on the bandwagon just  because criticising the education system and being a rebel is considered to be fashionable or the 'in' thing. In reality,most students do not favour even creative learning; what they really want is 'easy' learning. Anything that causes the slightest stress is deemed to be undesirable even if, once accomplished, its outcome is most likely to be fruitful.

Moreover, thinking outside the box is not opposed so vehemently as the movie portrays. No teacher tries to supress creative thinking even if they do not go out of their way to encourage it. What they actually comdemn is indiscipline and deliberate ignorance on the part of the students.

Undoubtedly, the movie is well-shot and is highly entertaining but it should be enjoyed merely as a work of fiction rather than being taken too seriously as a true portrayal of the current state of affairs.