Skill is fine, and genius is splendid, but the right contacts are more valuable than either.

You have been in Afghanistan I perceive.

There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own wind none the less and a cleaner, better stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared.

Some facts should be suppressed, or, at least, a just sense of proportion should be observed in treating them.

Once or twice in my career I feel that I have done more real harm by my discovery of the criminal than ever he had done by his crime. I have learned caution now, and I had rather play tricks with the law of England than with my own conscience.

A trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still more so.

It is decreed by a merciful Nature that the human brain cannot think of two things simultaneously . . .