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

Literature is analysis after the event.

Literature is analysis after the event.

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...

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 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...

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.

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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...

I don't know much about creative writing programs. But they're not telling the truth if...

I don't know much about creative writing programs. But they're not telling the truth if...

Laughter is by definition healthy

Laughter is by definition healthy

What is a hero without love for mankind.

What is a hero without love for mankind.

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...

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...

There are no laws for the novel. There never have been, nor can there ever...

There are no laws for the novel. There never have been, nor can there ever...

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...

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...

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.