There's something very arrogant about insisting on the right to be right

There's something very arrogant about insisting on the right to be right

Doris Lessing, a renowned British novelist and essayist, was known for her sharp wit and keen observations on human nature. In her works, she often explored themes of power dynamics, social norms, and the complexities of relationships. One of the recurring themes in Lessing's writing is the idea of arrogance and the need to be right.

Lessing believed that there was something inherently arrogant about insisting on the right to be right. She saw this as a form of intellectual hubris, a refusal to consider other perspectives or admit to the possibility of being wrong. In her view, this kind of arrogance was not only detrimental to personal growth but also damaging to relationships and society as a whole.

In her novel "The Golden Notebook," Lessing delves into the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which people's egos can get in the way of genuine connection. The protagonist, Anna Wulf, struggles with the need to assert her own opinions and beliefs, often at the expense of others. Through Anna's journey, Lessing explores the destructive nature of arrogance and the importance of humility in fostering meaningful relationships.

Lessing's own life was marked by a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and question authority. She was a vocal critic of the apartheid regime in South Africa and spoke out against injustice and oppression wherever she saw it. Her refusal to conform to societal norms and her willingness to speak truth to power made her a controversial figure, but also a respected voice in the literary world.