Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes

Modern influential 137 sayings

Sayings by Arthur Conan Doyle

I have no patience with the arguments of atheists.

c. 1920 — Discussions on religion.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest evil is indifference.

c. 1900 — Philosophical reflection.
Controversial Unverifiable

My mind rebels at stagnation.

1887 — From 'A Study in Scarlet'.
Controversial Unverifiable

The most difficult problems are found in the simplest things.

c. 1900 — General observation.
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a common mistake to confuse the exceptional with the impossible.

1893 — From 'The Naval Treaty'.
Controversial Unverifiable

The public is an excellent detective in its way.

c. 1900 — Observation on public opinion.
Controversial Unverifiable

The fear of ridicule is the greatest enemy of progress.

c. 1910 — Essay.
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always been a seeker of truth, however uncomfortable it may be.

c. 1920 — Personal reflection.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest danger in life is to be too safe.

c. 1900 — Philosophical statement.
Controversial Unverifiable

The true meaning of life is to serve humanity.

c. 1910 — Ethical reflection.
Controversial Unverifiable

We are all pilgrims on a journey.

c. 1920 — Spiritual reflection.
Controversial Unverifiable

The mysteries of the universe are endless.

c. 1900 — General observation.
Controversial Unverifiable

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

c. 1900 — Often attributed to Einstein, but similar sentiments can be found in Doyle's work.
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is a stage, and we are merely players.

c. 1900 — Echoing Shakespeare, not a unique quote by Doyle, but a sentiment he might have expressed.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest victory is over oneself.

c. 1900 — Philosophical musing.
Controversial Unverifiable

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.

1891 — A Case of Identity, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Humorous Unverifiable

What one man can invent another can discover.

1891 — The Red-Headed League, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Humorous Unverifiable

My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can then dispense with artificial stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation.

1890 — The Sign of the Four
Humorous Unverifiable

Love is an emotional thing, and whatever is emotional is opposed to that true cold reason which I place above all things.

1891 — A Scandal in Bohemia, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Humorous Unverifiable

It is not my intention to be fulsome, but I confess that I feel the most profound respect for the man for whom no mystery is too abstruse, and no problem too intricate.

1887 — A Study in Scarlet
Humorous Unverifiable