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Answers Quote by Douglas Adams

“Sherlock Holmes observed that once you have eliminated the impossible then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the answer. I, however, do not like to eliminate the impossible.” quote by Douglas Adams
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“Sherlock Holmes observed that once you have eliminated the impossible then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the answer. I, however, do not like to eliminate the impossible.”

Douglas Adams

About This Quote

Source Literature: Sherlock Holmes stories, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 1892

Holmes insists on eliminating impossibilities to find truth; the speaker prefers keeping all possibilities open.

In simple terms: Holmes favors deduction; speaker values imagination.

Key Takeaway

Balance logical elimination with creative thinking.

Themes

logic imagination investigation problem solving

Mood

inquisitive thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • crime solving
  • scientific research
  • strategic planning
  • brainstorming

Key Concepts

deductive reasoning open‑ended thinking creativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it useful to keep impossible ideas?
  • How can we blend deduction with imagination?
A Different Perspective

Eliminating too early may discard novel solutions.

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