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Quote by Doris Lessing

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Shikasta (Canopus in Argos: Archives Series, Book 1)

This book is the first volume in Doris Lessing's ambitious Canopus in Argos: Archives series. It presents a fictional history of Earth, referred to as Shikasta, from the perspective of advanced extraterrestrial beings from the planet Canopus. The narrative employs a documentary style, using reports, letters, and historical accounts to describe the planet's decline from a state of harmony into chaos and conflict, following a cosmic catastrophe. The story explores themes of colonialism, spiritual development, and the cyclical nature of civilizations, blending science fiction with philosophical and social commentary. more

Author

Doris Lessing
Doris Lessing

Doris Lessing was a British novelist known for her profound psychological insights and critical exploration of social and political issues. Her works covered a wide range of themes from personal experiences to global concerns, including colonialism, gender roles, and women's liberation. Lessing's writing style is unique and vivid, and she has had a significant impact on postcolonial and feminist literature. more

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“I think people are always looking for gurus. It's the easiest thing in the world to become a guru. It's quite terrifying. I once saw something fascinating here in New York. It must have been in the early seventies--guru time. A man used to go and sit in Central Park, wearing elaborate golden robes. He never once opened his mouth, he just sat. He'd appear at lunchtime. People appeared from everywhere, because he was obviously a holy man, and this went on for months. They just sat around him in reverent silence. Eventually he got fed up with it and left. Yes. It's as easy as that.”

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Author:Doris Lessing
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“This is a time when it is frightening to be alive, when it is hard to think of human beings as rational creatures. Everywhere we look we see brutality, stupidity, until it seems that there is nothing else to be seen but that--a descent into barbarism, everywhere, which we are unable to check. But I think that while it is true there is a general worsening, it is precisely because things are so frightening we become hypnotized, and do not notice--or if we notice, belittle--equally strong forces on the other side, the forces, in short, of reason, sanity and civilization.”

IfsThinkingHumansLooksHardReasonSeemsStrongForceSidesHuman BeingsAliveCivilizationCreaturesStupidityChecksRationalSanityFrighteningBrutalityDescentBarbarismBelittle
Book:Prisons We Choose to Live Inside
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