Arthur Conan Doyle: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

I have found that it is usually in unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the motive.

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

There is a danger for him who taketh the tiger cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.

Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details.

Strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination.

The more bizzarre a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be.

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.

Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting.

There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.