"In real life, of course, it is the hare that wins. Every time. Look around you"

The quote by Anita Brookner, "In reality, obviously, it is the hare that wins. Each time. Take a look around you", offers an intriguing reinterpretation of the timeless fable of "The Tortoise and the Hare". Generally, the myth informs the story of a race in between a slow, consistent tortoise and a quickly, overconfident hare. Despite the hare's speed, it ultimately loses the race due to complacency, enabling the tortoise, who maintains a consistent pace, to win. This tale is typically used to show the virtues of determination and consistency over speed and conceit.

Brookner's quote, however, challenges the moral of the fable, recommending a more cynical view of reality. When she mentions that "it is the hare that wins", she suggests that, contrary to the myth's lesson, in the real world, those who are swift and definitive-- metaphorically the hares-- tend to come out ahead. Her assertion welcomes the reader to observe the competitive and frequently hectic nature of modern society, where success is regularly connected to quick action and the ability to seize chances quickly. In business, sports, and various elements of life, those who adapt rapidly and move decisively typically have an advantage.

The phrase "Look around you" functions as a call to critically evaluate the world and recognize that the qualities usually related to the hare-- speed, dexterity, and aspiration-- are often rewarded with success. It recommends that the values typically commemorated, such as patience and steadfastness, might not constantly hold in the practicalities of modern life.

In essence, Brookner's commentary provides a lens through which to take a look at the space between optimistic stories and the practical truths individuals face. It encourages a reflection on what attributes cause success today and how social worths can vary from those promoted in moral tales.