Original artwork, not a still
Slouching Towards Bethlehem ‧ 1968
To have that sense of one’s intrinsic worth which constitutes self-respect is potentially to have everything: the ability to discriminate, to love and to remain indifferent. To lack it is to be locked within oneself, paradoxically incapable of either love or indifference.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Didion says self-respect gives you choice: you can discriminate, love, or stay indifferent. Without it, you're shut up inside yourself. Then even love and indifference stop being possible, which is the odd twist she points to.
Context reviewed
