Who said “Borrowing is not much better than begging; just as lending with interest is not much…”?

Misattributed

Not Doris Lessing. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundListed as misattributed to Doris Lessing; no source in their known works.

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“Borrowing is not much better than begging; just as lending with interest is not much better than stealing.”
— Doris Lessing
MisattributedListed as misattributed to Doris Lessing; no source in their known works. · evidenceBorrowing
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Cite this quote

APA

“Borrowing is not much better than begging; just as lending with interest is not much better than stealing.” [Quotation attributed to Doris Lessing]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8731-borrowing-is-not-much-better-than-begging-just/

MLA

“Borrowing is not much better than begging; just as lending with interest is not much better than stealing.” Attributed to Doris Lessing. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8731-borrowing-is-not-much-better-than-begging-just/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Borrowing is not much better than begging; just as lending with interest is not much better than stealing.” Attributed to Doris Lessing. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8731-borrowing-is-not-much-better-than-begging-just/.

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More quotes by Doris Lessing

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“That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way.”
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