Police work is built on realism, routine, stubbornness and system. It's true that a lot of difficult cases are cleared up by coincidence, but it's equally true that coincidence is an elastic concept that mustn't be confused with luck or accident. In a criminal investigation, it's a question of weaving the net of coincidence as fine as possible. And experience and industry play a larger role there than brilliant inspiration. A good memory and ordinary common sense are more valuable qualities than intellectual brilliance.
From Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, The Abominable Man (Translated from the Swedish by Thomas Teal) (1972).
2 comments:
Interesting quote, but I'm left wondering about at least two things:
Is common sense really so ordinary? Or does it entail having a highly developed sense of logic?
A fine quote. No wonder the series seemed so realistic.
Common sense may indeed seem extraordinary sometimes, but if a police officer doesn´t have it I doubt whether he will get anywhere.
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