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

Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for yourself.

Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for yourself.

Laughter is by definition healthy.

Laughter is by definition healthy.

For the last third of life there remains only work. It alone is always stimulating,...

For the last third of life there remains only work. It alone is always stimulating,...

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...

There is only one real sin, and that is to persuade oneself that the second-best...

There is only one real sin, and that is to persuade oneself that the second-best...

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.

There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second...

There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second...

Pearls mean tears.

Pearls mean tears.

We use our parents like recurring dreams, to be entered into when needed.

We use our parents like recurring dreams, to be entered into when needed.

Literature is analysis after the event.

Literature is analysis after the event.

In the university they don't tell you that the greater part of the law is...

In the university they don't tell you that the greater part of the law is...

Small things amuse small minds.

Small things amuse small minds.

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...

Trust no friend without faults, and love a woman, but no angel.

Trust no friend without faults, and love a woman, but no angel.

In university they don't tell you that the greater part of the law is learning...

In university they don't tell you that the greater part of the law is learning...

Some people obtain fame, others deserve it.

Some people obtain fame, others deserve it.

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...

What is a hero without love for mankind.

What is a hero without love for mankind.

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...

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

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