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.

The quote, "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," by Doris Lessing, reflects her concern about the declining value placed on learning and literature in modern society. Lessing, a British-Zimbabwean novelist and Nobel laureate, observes that in the past, there was a stronger cultural emphasis on the importance of education, books, and intellectual pursuits, which has diminished over time.

Lessing’s statement critiques a shift in societal values, where knowledge and literary works are no longer held in the same esteem as they once were. In previous generations, learning and the acquisition of wisdom through reading were seen as highly respected endeavors, often associated with status and intellectual growth. Today, however, she suggests that popular culture, fast-paced entertainment, and the prioritization of instant gratification have overshadowed the respect once afforded to serious literature and scholarly pursuits.

The quote also highlights the tension between mass media and serious intellectual engagement. Lessing is pointing out that while entertainment and superficial content may dominate public attention, there has been a decline in appreciation for the depth and value found in serious reading and learning. This cultural shift can be seen in the reduced emphasis on critical thinking and literary study in educational systems and society at large.

Ultimately, Lessing's words serve as a critique of the growing disregard for intellectualism and the diminished status of books and literature in modern times. She calls attention to the loss of a societal framework where education and learning were seen as the foundation of both personal development and social progress, urging for a return to valuing knowledge and thoughtful engagement with serious literature.