Quote by Doris Lessing
What society doesn't realize is that in the past, ordinary people respected learning. They respected books, and they don't now, or not very much. That whole respect for serious literature and learning has disappeared.
Summary
This quote suggests that ordinary people in the past had a greater appreciation for learning, books, and serious literature, while contemporary society disregards or undervalues them. It highlights a shift in societal attitudes, noting that respect for knowledge and intellectual pursuits seems to have diminished over time. The quote laments the disappearance of this respect, stating that society has become less inclined to appreciate and acknowledge the importance of learning.