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).
Interesting quote, but I'm left wondering about at least two things:
ReplyDeleteIs 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.
ReplyDeleteCommon sense may indeed seem extraordinary sometimes, but if a police officer doesn´t have it I doubt whether he will get anywhere.