There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but second best.
Meaning of the quote
The quote is saying that the biggest mistake you can make is to convince yourself that something that is not the absolute best is just as good as the best. In other words, don't settle for something that is only second-best when you could have the very best. The quote encourages young learners to always strive for the top, the most excellent, and not to be satisfied with anything less.
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More quotes from Doris Lessing
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