Book Quote by Doris Lessing
“There is only one way to read, which is to browse in libraries and bookshops, picking up books that attract you, reading only those, dropping them when they bore you, skipping the parts that drag-and never, never reading anything because you feel you ought, or because it is part of a trend or a movement. Remember that the book which bores you when you are twenty or thirty will open doors for you when you are forty or fifty-and vise versa. Don’t read a book out of its right time for you.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Reading, 1975
She argues for reading driven by personal interest rather than trends, emphasizing timing and relevance for lasting impact.
In simple terms: Read what truly interests you, not what’s popular.
Key Takeaway
Follow your curiosity, not fashion.
Themes
reading habits
personal growth
literature
timing
authenticity
Mood
contemplative
encouraging
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- choosing books
- school curricula
- book clubs
- personal development
Key Concepts
intrinsic motivation
life stages
cultural trends
literary value
Questions to Reflect On
- What books have you ignored that later became meaningful?
- How does your reading change with age?
A Different Perspective
May miss out on valuable works if you only follow trends.
