The Development of Sherlock Holmes’s Intuition

What tips should you follow to develop intuition like Sherlock Holmes’s? Most importantly, its development is impossible without the habit of being interested in many things and improving your intellectual abilities.

Embrace Your Intuition

Many people don’t view intuition as a tool or weapon, believing it doesn’t exist. But Holmes admitted that he reached some conclusions solely through his intuition, not logic. Nevertheless, Sherlock’s intuition was well-developed precisely because he knew, noticed, and observed so much.

Therefore, first of all, realize that intuition exists and can greatly assist you in solving many problems.

Learn how to draw conclusions from observing a person

It’s very useful to first observe a person: their manner of speech, appearance, and behavioral patterns. If possible, study several sources on cold reading. This will help you understand when they’re lying and when they’re telling the truth.

Study body language; it almost never deceives. It doesn’t matter what a person says if their body language contradicts their words. Simply observe them in their daily life. Everything a person does reveals their true nature, especially when it comes to behavioral patterns.

It’s important to learn how to communicate with people in order to inspire trust and openness. Improve your observation skills
In one of the Sherlock stories, there’s a line: «You look, but you don’t observe.» We often look, and it becomes an automatic reaction. Of course, it’s impossible to constantly consciously observe reality, but it’s worth practicing.

Concentrate on one of your senses: smell, sight, taste, or physical sensations. Look at objects and memorize every detail. You can do the same with paintings.

Watch a scene in a movie and try to remember every detail—what’s hanging on the walls, what the characters are wearing, what emotions they’re displaying. Putting together a puzzle is also a great exercise.

Listen
Even though people don’t always say what they think and feel, you need to listen very carefully. What was said and how it was said is important, but what wasn’t said is equally important. Remember that at this time, hundreds of thoughts are swirling in a person’s head, and they are putting them into words as they see fit. A good listener will always be a winner.

Remember that underestimating people is unacceptable

Even if you think the other person is too stupid and simple, don’t rush to label them. If you’re right, that’s good; if not, you could miss out on a ton of opportunities. People often show ignorance by judging others based on a single action, their current outfit, or a specific phrase, but this may mean nothing.

And even if a person is truly as simple as they seem, they may be right about many things.

Bring logic to the forefront

Intuition is good, but logic must be present in your thinking and actions. There’s nothing wrong with using both tools simultaneously.

Look at the dark stain on your friend’s shirt:

• What type of stain is this?
• Is it food? Coffee?
• Logically, this means he’s a slob. What? He was always neat, and now he doesn’t pay attention to this awful stain?
• What time of day did he get this stain?
• Or maybe he didn’t sleep at home?

Analyze the situation step by step

First, analyze all the possible options, because most often, the simplest explanation is the correct one. If there are factors that point to a unique case, then sketch out several similar options. If a fact contradicts your theory, don’t try to discard it; look for other explanations.

• The facts are indisputable, so rely on them first.
• «Look for who benefits.» But remember this saying: «Don’t attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity.»
• How exactly did the man do what he did? Why wasn’t he heard? Why wasn’t he seen? Who was on duty that night?
• Five questions: Who? When? What? Where? Why?