574 Quotes by Doris Lessing

What I had that others didn’t was a capacity for sticking to it.

I treasure solitude. One doesn’t have to have human contact.

Poor economies breed tyrannies.

Don’t read a book out of its right time for you.

You must admit he radiates an atmosphere of the suburbs. Odd. But they all do – I mean those tycoons, they all did. One could positively see the labour-saving devices and the kiddies all in their slumber-wear, coming down to kiss daddy good night. Bloody complacent swine they all are.

We all of us seem to have this belief that things are going to get better. Why should they? Sometimes I think we’re moving into a new ice age of tyranny and terror, why not? Who’s to stop it – us?

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.

They’re a bunch of Jews, too,’ said Donovan gracefully. ‘After knowing me for so long, you should have learned discrimination.

I’ll be pleased when I’m dead. That will let me off worrying about all these wars.