How To Be as Mentally Acute as Sherlock Holmes

By Nate Desmond

Originally invented in 1887 by Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the fictional Sherlock Holmes holds a well-earned reputation for logical reasoning and detective skills. No matter how clever the criminal, Holmes never fails to find their one mistake and keep one step ahead of them.

What is the source of his extraordinary intelligence?

While his constant reading certainly had an effect, devotion to his violin played a large part in Sherlock’s superior intellect. Frequently when a case has him stumped, the great detective returns to his lodging and spends hours playing his treasured instrument.

Today we will explore a number of the most important reasons to learn an instrument.

#1 Improve your mental abilities

While we are not all destined to the intellectual geniuses at the level of Sherlock Holmes, learning a musical instrument has been proven to increase one’s mental capacity. Particularly in children, musical studies will help with visualization, languages, reading, and memory. Students who had studied arts also had overall higher grades on the SAT and better GPAs. Although the benefits to adults are slightly lessened, mental aptitude can still be improved substantially.

#2 Learn discipline and patience

Much like learning a foreign language, studying a new musical instrument is not an easy endeavor. When you persevere and continue learning, you will be growing in two of the most important character traits. While talent and natural ability can help jumpstart a person’s ability, ultimate success eventually goes to those who have the discipline to carry on even when things are hard. As with the famed race between the Tortoise and the Hare, consistency might not be as exciting, but it will get you there first.

#3 Socialize productively

While studying for college, it can be difficult to find the time to gather with friends. Even when you do, the knowledge of your looming schoolwork can ruin the time. By joining or starting an informal music group, however, you can spend time with your friends while accomplishing something together. While there is nothing wrong with simply gathering with friends, people who have worked together share a special bond. Learn teamwork, improve your musical skills, and get to know your friends better by joining an ensemble!

#4 Relieve stress

After a long day of studying, playing your instrument can be an amazingly relaxing activity. Half an hour of violin playing can do wonders in clearing your mind and giving you the ability to continue concentrating on your studies afterword. Simply setting aside a good portion of time to play – not practice – your instrument will have a direct influence on the productiveness of your studies.

#5 Enjoy it!

While learning your instrument definitely requires effort and work, the results are definitely worth earning. Once you have the basic skills down, playing an instrument is just plain fun! Rather than listening to music, you can actually create your own music. Once you are skilled enough, you can use your skill in ministering to others or as a side job.

Do you play an instrument?
Nate Desmond I'm a Christian young man working on my BSBA in Accounting and writing blog posts in my spare time. I enjoy learning how to do things faster and better... whether through new keyboard shortcuts, world record holding shoelace knots, or motion study.

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