If Sherlock Holmes Had Quora: His Questions and Insights

Thank you for the A2A, Debdutta Paul. Let's dive into what Sherlock Holmes would inquire about if he had a platform like Quora.

Conversational Insights from the Consulting Detective

Despite the obvious anachronistic iPod question, let's shift gears and imagine Sherlock Holmes participating in a Quora-style QA. He would immediately discard any attempts at cleverness, opting to dive directly into the heart of the matter.

Primordial Query

Imagine if Sherlock Holmes consulted Quora. His opening query would be eerily close to his mentoring with Dr. Watson. He would begin by saying, 'Do you have a case? If convenient, give it now; if not, I can take it anyway.'

Musing Thoughts

Sherlock Holmes was known for his introspective and philosophical side as much as his detective prowess. Here are some of the questions he might ponder if he were to join Quora:

1. Did Moriarty Call Himself a Virus?

Question: Why does Moriarty call himself a virus?

Answer: Moriarty deemed himself a virus in the psychological sense. A virus is an entity that spreads its influence, causes chaos, and often targets specific individuals or systems, just like Moriarty targeted Sherlock Holmes, Scotland Yard, and the general populace. It was a clever way for Moriarty to frame himself as an opponent that could not be eradicated easily.

2. Professional Self-Reflection

Question: How did Moriarty describe himself professionally?

Answer: Moriarty, as a criminal mastermind, would describe himself as a strategic genius and a master of manipulation. He would likely say, 'A consulting criminal, a professional problem-solver for hire.' These terms underscore his ability to approach crime as a scientific puzzle and his proficiency in exploiting human psychology.

3. Sociopath Question

Question: Am I a sociopath with lots of feelings? Never mind, just strike it out.

Answer: To which he might reply, 'Sociopaths can indeed have feelings, although they may not align with societal norms. It's important to recognize that feelings and empathy can still exist, even if they are channeled differently. Like Moriarty, they can be highly intelligent and capable of extraordinary feats, even if their emotional responses are quite different from the average person.'

4. Moriarty's Suicide

Question: Why does James Moriarty kill himself in the end?

Answer: Moriarty's suicide could be seen as a form of existential defeat. He may have believed that his influence was waning, and he no longer had the energy or purpose to continue his work. Alternatively, he may have chosen this end to maintain an air of mystery and to prevent any posthumous vengeance from others, including Sherlock Holmes himself.

5. Dr. Watson's Nerdery

Question: Why is Dr. Watson such a nerd?

Answer: Dr. Watson’s love for literature and knowledge is quite evident. His intellectual pursuits, although often seen as nerdy, are a testament to his deep curiosity and commitment to understanding the world around him. Just as Sherlock might use his detective skills to unravel mysteries, Watson uses his knowledge to make sense of the human condition and the historical context of their cases.

6. Observational Skills

Question: Why don’t people observe when they see something?

Answer: People are often preoccupied with their own thoughts or the tasks at hand. To observe effectively, one needs to be attentive and curious. As Sherlock Holmes would say, 'It is astonishing how much we can overlook when we are not truly paying attention.'

7. Boredom Without Murder and Cocaine

Question: How do people not get bored without a murder or cocaine?

Answer: People find entertainment and excitement in a variety of activities. Not everyone is destined for the thrill of deceptively clever crimes. Many people derive satisfaction from simpler pleasures like hobbies, travel, or social interactions. Just as Sherlock needed the challenges of solving crimes and experimenting with cocaine to stay engaged, others may have different outlets for their energy."

Clever Closing

Indeed, Sherlock Holmes would be the ultimate renaissance man if he had a platform like Quora. His probing questions and insightful answers would be both thought-provoking and entertaining. The consulting detective would be a welcomed addition to any QA session, challenging us to think deeper and more creatively.