Able Quote by Arthur Conan Doyle
“The grand thing is to be able to reason backwards.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Sherlock Holmes series, 1887
Reasoning backwards means starting from the desired outcome and deducing the steps needed to reach it.
In simple terms: Start with the goal, work back to the start.
Key Takeaway
Plan by envisioning the end first.
Themes
problem solving
strategy
logic
Mood
analytical
focused
Type
strategic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- project planning
- investigations
- personal goal setting
Key Concepts
deductive reasoning
goal orientation
Questions to Reflect On
- What outcome do you want to achieve?
- How can reverse reasoning reveal hidden steps?
A Different Perspective
May overlook unforeseen obstacles when focusing only on the end.
![“I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. [...] It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. [...] It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have…” quote by Arthur Conan Doyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7a/arthur-conan-doyle-273_attics_i-consider-that-a-man-s-brain-originally_2144119.jpg)
