Dedication.

Watson meets his wife in a story titled The Sign Of The Four. In an almost post modernist quirk Holmes chides Watson early in the story, for being too romantic, not concentrating on the scientific facts, tells him he may as well include a love story in his tales. The love story is handled superbly, simply, gently, serves to display Holmes as the ultimate loner, dedicated to his unemotional science.

The female lead stands to inherit a massive fortune, Watson withdraws from his bid to win her affection because he is poor. He suffers for his honourable stance. The fortune is lost and the bliss of love prevails, hooray! Holmes is pleased that his friend is happy, still views romantic love as a terrific waste of energy that could be spent on the work. One suspects Holmes also sees wedded life as too commonplace to bear, all the incumbent minutiae and triviality.

Watson is the talent that recognises the genius of Holmes. Watson doesn't share his friend's terror in the face of the commonplace, wants a complete life, home, spouse, satisfying work. The genius of Holmes only finds satisfaction in extremes. Both are creative, effective men in their own ways, both choose their paths.

Dedication is a judgement call we all make. Living a complete personal life naturally means compromise in the work. It really comes down to deciding how important your work is, to you and to your culture. Is it worth sacrificing a full, pleasant personal life for?

Parkstreet.
www.kentparkstreetblog.com