What's terrible is to pretend that second-rate is first-rate. To pretend that you don't need love when you do; or you like your work when you know quite well you're capable of better.

Quote by Doris Lessing

Topics: Doris Lessing Quotes

Space or science fiction has become a dialect for our time.

Space or science fiction has become a dialect for our time.

Borrowing is not much better than begging; just as lending with interest is not much...

Borrowing is not much better than begging; just as lending with interest is not much...

In the writing process, the more a story cooks, the better.

In the writing process, the more a story cooks, the better.

It is terrible to destroy a person's picture of himself in the interests of truth...

It is terrible to destroy a person's picture of himself in the interests of truth...

With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the...

With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the...

A simple grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer.

A simple grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer.

Literature is analysis after the event.

Literature is analysis after the event.

Man, who is he? Too bad, to be the work of God: Too good for...

Man, who is he? Too bad, to be the work of God: Too good for...

If a fish is the movement of water embodied, given shape, then cat is a...

If a fish is the movement of water embodied, given shape, then cat is a...

The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in...

The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in...

Small things amuse small minds.

Small things amuse small minds.

Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being...

Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being...

Pleasure resorts are like film stars and royalty... embarrassed by the figures they cut in...

Pleasure resorts are like film stars and royalty... embarrassed by the figures they cut in...

That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but...

That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but...

Pearls mean tears.

Pearls mean tears.

You can't be a Red if you're married to a civil servant.

You can't be a Red if you're married to a civil servant.

Laughter is by definition healthy.

Laughter is by definition healthy.

Laughter is by definition healthy

Laughter is by definition healthy

It is cheerful to God when you rejoice or laugh from the bottom of your...

It is cheerful to God when you rejoice or laugh from the bottom of your...

The tears of the world are a constant quality. For each one who begins to...

The tears of the world are a constant quality. For each one who begins to...