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About this quote

What does it mean?
Persuading oneself that second-best is acceptable is a fundamental error or sin.
In plain terms
Accepting second-best as first-best is a serious mistake.
What can you take from it?
Do not deceive yourself about the value of compromise.

Where it applies

  • career choices
  • consumer decisions
  • relationships

Putting it to work

  • set high standards
  • audit your compromises

Questions to consider

  • Where do you settle for less than you deserve?
  • Is compromise ever truly second-best?

Another view

Sometimes second-best is the only option.

More from Doris Lessing

  1. Sometimes I pick up a book and I say: Well, so you've written it first, have you? Good for you. O.K., then I won't have to write it.

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  2. None of you ask for anything - except everything, but just for so long as you need it.

    Permalink to quote #43
  3. You want me to begin a novel with The two women were alone in the London flat?

    Permalink to quote #40

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