Book Title: How to think like Sherlock
Author: Daniel Smith
ISBN: 978-81-8322-477-2
Publisher: Manjul Publishing House Pvt Ltd
BY AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI
You might be one of those people whose optimum thinking is done in the shower or while going for a run
– Daniel Smith
THIS book is a self-help read that teaches readers how to improve their powers of observation, memory, and deduction.
It is based on the methods used by Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle.
This book will boost your powers of observation, deduction and reasoning using the tricks and techniques of the world’s most famous detective.
This book also takes readers on a journey to uncover the secrets behind Holmes’ remarkable deductive abilities and provides practical techniques to enhance one’s own thinking skills. It is packed full of case studies, tests, and examples from the original novels of Sherlock Holmes.
Smith begins by explaining the importance of observation. He argues that most people do not truly observe the world around them. They see, but they do not observe. Holmes, on the other hand, was a master observer. He was able to notice even the smallest details, and he used these details to solve crimes.
Smith then provides readers with a number of exercises to help them improve their observational skills. These exercises include:
Mind mapping: This is a technique for organising information visually. To create a mind map, start with a central image or word, and then draw branches from that image or word. Each branch represents a related idea or concept.
Speed reading: This is a technique for reading quickly and efficiently. To speed read, start by scanning the text for the main ideas. Then, read the text more slowly, paying attention to the details.
People watching: This is a technique for observing people in their natural environment. To people watch, find a public place where people are likely to be, and then simply observe them. Pay attention to their body language, their facial expressions, and their interactions with others.
Smith also discusses the importance of memory. He argues that memory is not a fixed thing. It can be improved with practice. Smith provides readers with a number of exercises to help them improve their memory. These exercises include:
Mnemonic devices: These are memory aids that can help you remember information. Some common mnemonic devices include acronyms, rhymes, and visualisation techniques.
Chunking: This is a technique for grouping information together to make it easier to remember. For example, you might chunk a list of numbers by grouping them into threes or fives.
Rehearsal: This is the process of repeating information over and over again until it is memorised.
Finally, Smith discusses the importance of deduction. He argues that deduction is the process of using logic to infer one fact from another. Holmes was a master of deduction. He was able to use the evidence at hand to infer the most likely explanation for a crime.
Smith provides readers with a number of exercises to help them improve their deductive skills. These exercises include:
Solving puzzles: Puzzles are a great way to practice deductive reasoning. There are many different types of puzzles available, so you can find ones that are challenging but not too difficult.
Reading detective stories: Detective stories are a great way to learn about the process of deduction. As you read, pay attention to how the detective solves the crime.
Applying deductive reasoning to real-world situations: When you are faced with a problem, try to use deductive reasoning to solve it. Ask yourself questions like, “What are the possible explanations for this?” and “What evidence supports each explanation?”
“How to Think Like Sherlock” is a well-written and informative book. Smith does a good job of explaining the methods used by Sherlock Holmes, and he provides readers with several exercises to help them improve their observational, memory, and deductive skills. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their thinking skills.
This book is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is filled with helpful exercises. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to think like Sherlock Holmes.
