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!
Wow, what an extraordinary piece of writing. I was stricken by the fact that Joan Didion wrote that to the exact character count. I’m not a writer but I can’t imagine how amazing to sit down, to quickly fill a vacant spot and produce this piece. I read and reread 3 times and still could not grasp the entirety of the piece. But being an auditory learner, I remembered that I can have my phone speak the words.
Oh my goodness. I understood exactly what she was saying about self respect.
Thank you for sharing this. It is something that I will return to to listen many times again.
I love brilliant minds. I learn so much from the things you share.
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.
I read this with a British accent. Not sure why but I did. This was good for my soul at this moment in time. Thanks for sharing
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!
Good morning Allison
Wow, what an extraordinary piece of writing. I was stricken by the fact that Joan Didion wrote that to the exact character count. I’m not a writer but I can’t imagine how amazing to sit down, to quickly fill a vacant spot and produce this piece. I read and reread 3 times and still could not grasp the entirety of the piece. But being an auditory learner, I remembered that I can have my phone speak the words.
Oh my goodness. I understood exactly what she was saying about self respect.
Thank you for sharing this. It is something that I will return to to listen many times again.
I love brilliant minds. I learn so much from the things you share.
Sweet pictures of the “kids” too
Have a lovely week
xo
* struck* not stricken
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!