There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but second best.
Doris Lessing

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

This world is run by people who know how to do things. They know how things work. They are equipped. Up there, there's a layer of people who run everything. But we - we're just peasants. We don't understand what's going on, and we can't do anything.
Doris Lessing

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

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

What is a hero without love for mankind.
Doris Lessing

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.
Doris Lessing

With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one - but no one at all - can tell you what to read and when and how.
Doris Lessing

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