“ I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession,—or rather created it, for I am the only one in the world. ”
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sign of the Four (1890). copy citation
| Author | Arthur Conan Doyle |
|---|---|
| Source | The Sign of the Four |
| Topic | routine exaltation profession |
| Date | 1890 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2097/2097-h/2097-h.htm |
Context
“«My mind,» he said, «rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession,—or rather created it, for I am the only one in the world.»
«The only unofficial detective?» I said, raising my eyebrows.
«The only unofficial consulting detective,» he answered. «I am the last and highest court of appeal in detection. When Gregson or Lestrade or Athelney Jones are out of their depths—which, by the way, is their normal state—the matter is laid before me.” source
«The only unofficial detective?» I said, raising my eyebrows.
«The only unofficial consulting detective,» he answered. «I am the last and highest court of appeal in detection. When Gregson or Lestrade or Athelney Jones are out of their depths—which, by the way, is their normal state—the matter is laid before me.” source
Meaning and analysis
