1. Do you agree with Didion’s claim that self-respect has nothing to do with the approval of others?
Yes I agree with Didion’s claim that “self-respect has nothing to do with the approval of others.” I believe if we’re only seeking approval of others then we aren’t actually respecting ourselves. Self-respect forms the basis of how we allow others to treat us and how we treat ourselves. It expresses your worth and value as a human being as well as one’s confidence, dignity and faith in oneself.
2. Didion defines character as willingness to accept responsibility for your life. Can persons of character be self-righteous? Hypocritical? Self-excusers?
I believe a person of character has integrity. That being said, I believe this person will accept responsibility for their life while demonstrating some of the attributes of integrity which is honesty, sincerity and virtue.
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Didion says self-respect is a “discipline,” or “a habit of mind that can never be faked, but can be developed [and] trained …” How might someone develop more self-respect?
I believe self-respect is a discipline. To develop or train this self-respect discipline, one might consider sticking to your values, not sacrificing your beliefs, practice not being hard on yourself and believe that you are as good as the next person.
5. What, according to Didion, is the cost of living without self-respect?
According to Didion, the cost of living without self-respect makes a person unwilling to accept responsibility for one’s own life, they have no toughness and they are unable to put fears and doubts to one side just to identify a few.
6. Do you think most people are more concerned about their good reputation or their self-respect? Which is harder to live without?
I believe that most people are more concerned about their good reputation. Even if you are a self-respected person, most are concerned about how they are seen or judged by others. Especially those who are trying to uphold a good