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And yet the motives of women are so inscrutable. You…

“And yet the motives of women are so inscrutable. You remember the woman at Margate whom I suspected for the same reason. No powder on her nose - that proved to be the correct solution. How can you build on such a quicksand? Their most trivial action may mean volumes, or their most extraordinary…” quote by Arthur Conan Doyle
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“And yet the motives of women are so inscrutable. You remember the woman at Margate whom I suspected for the same reason. No powder on her nose - that proved to be the correct solution. How can you build on such a quicksand? Their most trivial action may mean volumes, or their most extraordinary conduct may depend upon a hairpin or a curling tongs.”

Arthur Conan Doyle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Women’s motives are opaque; small, seemingly trivial details can reveal deep truths, and minor actions can have outsized consequences.

In simple terms: Women’s motives are hard to read; tiny clues matter.

Key Takeaway

Pay attention to subtle signs.

Themes

mystery gender perception detail consequences

Mood

curious intrigued analytical

Type

observational reflective

When to use this quote

  • investigations
  • relationship counseling
  • team dynamics
  • creative brainstorming
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

psychology of secrecy interpretation of behavior micro‑signals

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small detail could change your understanding?
  • How do you avoid over‑reading trivial actions?
A Different Perspective

Not all motives are hidden; sometimes they’re obvious but ignored.

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