Themes
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.
— Joan Didion ‧ Slouching Towards Bethlehem
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial 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