>but the idea that learning facts can be detrimental to someone's ability is interesting. It's interesting. I would say the issue with this idea is, is you can

>but the idea that learning facts can be detrimental to someone's ability is interesting. It's interesting. I would say the issue with this idea is, is you can't predict how learning random information and combining that into new ideas will benefit you. The only reason this worked for Holmes was because his character was written that way, not because it necessarily has any merit. Maybe it reflects the thinking of the time, or Doyle's own beliefs on the matter. Although I don't think there's a problem with being choosey, like maybe you don't care about the WW2 Pacific Theater, so why learn facts about that when your interest is the history of computers?