Holmes bridged the gap not only between the rich and the poor, but also between the haves and the have nots. And what do the 'haves' have that the 'have nots' are trying to achieve? It is intellect, which is gradually taking the lead over technology as 19th century western society moved forward a new stage of technological and social development. As new technologies and social order dominated the western countries, it dawned on society that there is premium in intellectual development -- that charismatic individuals are being taken over by intellects, mainly because of the soundness of judgment of the latter. Holmes embodied every individual's aspiration to become an intellectual, to be recognized and respected because of what she or he is, and not because of his/her status in the society.

Holmes is the symbol of intellectual development, as he goes beyond the thrill of discovery and investigation, and forges ahead to actually help an individual get power of the human intellect, thinking systematically not just for intellectual exercise or stimulation, but more importantly, to achieve a higher goal that will benefit the individual and/or society. Looking at Holmes' character, he is like a superhero of reality fiction: he is given the power of intellect and managed to help and 'save' people from their misfortunes or mishaps by exercising this power. For me as a reader, this realistic take on an individual possessing a 'super power' such as great intellect is an appropriate and relevant depiction of the kind of people that Doyle's industrial society is developing into as societies move forward modernization.
In effect, Holmes brings inspiration to his readers from both a personal and more general level. He is an inspiration for the individual who wants to be recognized for his/her intellectual abilities, which I personally consider the core substance of an individual's being. He also brings inspiration to society on a more general level, as he represents a 'thinking society' no longer driven by personal biases and self-interests. Holmes' intellectual persona marked the period of a new social order and stage of intellectual development, and this is the aspiration of every individual, then and now.