On Self-Respect

In 'On Self-Respect,' Joan Didion delves into the nature of self-respect, positing that it is not derived from external validation but from an internal reckoning.

She argues that true self-respect involves taking responsibility for one's actions, acknowledging mistakes, and living authentically.

Didion emphasizes that self-respect is a discipline of the mind, requiring the courage to face one's flaws and the ability to discriminate between what is truly valuable and what is not.

The essay underscores that self-respect liberates individuals from the expectations of others and empowers them to live according to their own values and goals.