Excellent piece. "Nonetheless, character—the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life—is the source from which self-respect springs." Dictionary.com defines responsible as: answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management.
To be willing to accept accountability of one's own life despite the demands outside of us... that takes a minute and some grey hairs, in most cases. To avoid it is to be drained of creativity and life force. "That kind of self-respect is a discipline, a habit of mind that can never be faked but can be developed, trained, coaxed forth."
Thanks for the thoughtful piece. It was written a long time ago but it seems not a thing has changed!
God, could she write! I am sorry there will be no more new Joan Didion pieces to read for the first time. I’ve read this essay many times, but it never loses its power to remind one of what’s important. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing. I wasn't familiar at all.
Excellent piece. "Nonetheless, character—the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life—is the source from which self-respect springs." Dictionary.com defines responsible as: answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management.
To be willing to accept accountability of one's own life despite the demands outside of us... that takes a minute and some grey hairs, in most cases. To avoid it is to be drained of creativity and life force. "That kind of self-respect is a discipline, a habit of mind that can never be faked but can be developed, trained, coaxed forth."
Thanks for the thoughtful piece. It was written a long time ago but it seems not a thing has changed!
Just what I needed—the essay and the cats.
Very grateful for this! ❤️
Thanks, Allison. I’d heard she was a terrific writer, but am almost shamed to admit I’d never read anything she’d written.
God, could she write! I am sorry there will be no more new Joan Didion pieces to read for the first time. I’ve read this essay many times, but it never loses its power to remind one of what’s important. Thanks for sharing it.
Excellence..love the kitty!