Most people, if you describe a train of events to them will tell you what the result would be. They can put those events together in their minds, and… - Arthur Conan Doyle

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Engraved portrait of Arthur Conan Doyle, facing right

Most people, if you describe a train of events to them will tell you what the result would be. They can put those events together in their minds, and argue from them that something will come to pass. There are few people, however, who, if you told them a result, would be able to evolve from their own inner consciousness what the steps were which led up to that result. This power is what I mean when I talk of reasoning backward, or analytically.

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About Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle (May 22 1859 – July 7 1930) was a British writer and physician, most famous as the creator of the character Sherlock Holmes.

Biography information from Wikiquote · Portrait adapted from Wikimedia Commons, Walter Benington (Public domain / CC0)

Also Known As

Birth Name: Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle
Native Name: Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle
Alternative Names: Sir A. Conan Doyle Arthur Conan, Sir Doyle Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Conan Doyle

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Additional quotes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Now, Watson, confess yourself utterly taken aback,” said he. “I am.” “I ought to make you sign a paper to that effect.” “Why?” “Because in five minutes you will say that it is all so absurdly simple.

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