What is deduction?

Deduction is an immensely useful skill that was popularised by Sherlock holmes. It is using what you know to find out what you don’t know.

For example, Sherlock deduces that Watson has just come back from the tropics, as he knows Watson’s natural colour is white and sees his skin looks tanned.

How can I learn to start making good deductions?

Step 1: observe

Whenever you meet someone try to make simple observations.

For example try to figure out what their dominant hand is, where they have come from, thier age etc.

Try to observe 3 things about a person and then increase once you get better.

A good way to practice this is to go to a busy place such as a mall and people watch. Try see what you can observe.

Many people make the mistake of when observing only using their eyes. Try to use all your senses, for example try to see what someone smells like.

As you improve try to make more observations and notice smaller details.

Step 2: use your observations to make deductions

Let’s say I made some observations about a man I met called jeff for example.

I observed that he has an expensive watch, has a ring and noticed he wears a good perfume.

Using these observations I could make a few beginner deductions such as, he’s married and makes a good living, if I were to go more advanced I’d deduce that he lives in a good area etc.

Once you start practicing the science of deduction you begin to slowly but surely make more advanced deductions.

What should a beginner should try to deduce about somone?

A beginner should make a few easy deductions like: what their dominant hand is, if they’re overweight, what they’re wearing.

After a while you want to improve at the science of deduction and try to deduce harder things such as what they ate.

What are the best science of deduction books?

The top 4 deduction books are:

#4 the deduction guide by Louise Blackwood.

The deduction guide is more of a guide than a book. Although short, it highlights the main points of the science of deduction. Definitely the best book for a complete beginner. You can get the deduction guide here

#3 Mastermind:How to think like Sherlock holmes

This book is written by a psychologist, It’s very factual and can be boring at times but can help you understand the science of deduction. You can get mastermind: how to think like Sherlock holmes here

#2 becoming Sherlock: the power of observation and deduction

This booked is packed full of effective techniques and tips a must buy for beginners. Get this book here

#1 the monographs

This book is amazing. The author is a police detective and has been exactly where you are now.

What makes his book the best on the list is that he has real life experience.

He gives techniques and tips that work in real life. Definitely the best science of deduction book, you must get it. Buy it here