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sudostephtoday at 5:06 PM2 repliesview on HN

I've read a lot of Holmes recently, and while I'm not a man, I do think Doyle portrays Holmes' issues in a way that is relatable.

Holmes core thing though is that he has an almost ADHD-esque craving for novelty and tolerance for risk taking. He also can't stand not actively working on things, and when he's not working is when he's depressed. He doesn't seem to know how to actually feel good, but he knows how to be useful, thus his penchant for productivity boosters like cocaine.

He's a great character, but I wouldn't over pathologize him according to today's understanding of mental health. Doyle was a physician and gave Holmes various traits similar to what he had seen in his patients.


Replies

thesztoday at 5:26 PM

  > ...when he's not working is when he's depressed.
The cure for that is known since dawn of time - walking.

Holmes, being an exceptionally observant man, definitely would observe that walks raise the mood, allow for (most often silly) ideas to come and, last but not least, increase observation capabilities, attention to details and speed of thought.

Arthur Conan-Doyle did an extensive walks back then, but his hero was written to not to. This is not right.

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tayo42today at 6:34 PM

If this is an accurate summary, the character sounds relatable enough that I might try one of these books.