Introduction
Numerous pieces of writing exist in the world, and while each is different, some have certain similarities. In particular, authors may present distinct points of view while having comparable ideas in mind. For instance, in her On Self-Respect, Joan Didion discusses how and why a person should begin focusing on appreciating themselves. On the other hand, in her Optimism Within, Helen Keller explains her journey of becoming an optimist and what it means to be such an individual. The two writers explore distinguishable themes but share matching notions presented in parallel ways. Didion and Keller’s viewpoints relate to one another in terms of examining the inner power required to make decisions separate from the opinions of other people.
Arguments
To understand the similarities between the two authors’ ideas, it is important to investigate the essence of their works. Didion begins her writing by explaining how she lost the conviction that she would always succeed in life but that such a revelation has pushed her towards self-respect (215). Didion argues that self-respect is the most critical quality because this sensation of intrinsic worth gives a person the power to have everything (218). In comparison, if an individual lacks such a trait, they become dependent on others’ appreciation and strive to please everyone else due to not having a sufficient image of themselves (Didion 218). However, while tricking people in order to appear attractive may be uncomplicated, self-deception is quite difficult (Didion 215). As a result, an individual without self-respect is likely to be left with emptiness (Didion 218). Consequently, the viewpoint presented in On Self-Respect is that appreciating oneself is the primary feature a person should learn.
On the other hand, the main idea of Keller’s work concerns the significance of optimism. Keller claims that being an optimist means regarding happiness as a faith and a philosophy of life (13). Nonetheless, such a belief comes from understanding evil, and one must not blindly concentrate on the good and ignore bad incidents because neglect leads to disaster (Keller 16). Every contact with wickedness should increase optimism through overcoming hardships (Keller 18). Accordingly, being an optimist is having the inner power to embrace pleasing happenings and confront harmful events with no doubt and mistrust (Keller 19). Optimism is the order that can be reflected in the desire and will to work in spite of all difficulties and chaos (Keller 21). Consequently, the argument illustrated in Optimism Within is that being an optimist has the strength to choose happiness despite facing troubles.
Commonalities and Integration
The first parallel between the two works is the manner in which each author presents her viewpoint. In particular, both Didion and Keller provide examples from their personal lives. The former writer shares her realization that passive virtues, clean hair, and competence do not guarantee happiness and success (Didion 215). Likewise, Keller discusses her experience of feeling hopeless and surrounded by darkness and stillness (14). In addition, the two writers implement instances from other sources to make their arguments easier to comprehend. Didion quotes the characters of Rhett Butler and Jordan Baker to explain the concept of self-respect better (216). Keller cites the words of Thomas Carlyle to illustrate the nature of optimism (21). Consequently, Didion and Keller’s writings are comparable in how the two convey their ideas through individual backgrounds and the works of others.
Furthermore, a commonality between the content of the two texts is the notion that a bad event precedes the beginning of a better life. Didion proposes that after not being elected to Phi Beta Kappa, she resolved that a person must be “driven back upon oneself” in order to embrace self-respect (215). As a result, the individual focuses on their own needs rather than being dependent on the opinions of others or playing roles doomed to failure (Didion 218). Similarly, Keller states that she learned the value of love and goodness by contrast upon contacting evil (16). Accordingly, people turn to optimism as they overcome bad incidents and become strong, patient, and helpful (Keller 18). While Didion suggests that a person’s life improves when they begin to respect themselves, Keller implies that being an optimist leads to advancement, but they both stress that an individual must face a challenge first.
The two texts integrate on the notion that neither self-respect nor optimism is easy to adopt and maintain throughout life. Didion claims that self-respect requires moral nerve and character to take responsibility for one’s actions (216). Keller states that optimism is based on the strength to face opposition between what is right and wrong (19). Once an individual obtains the inner power to choose to be optimistic and appreciate themselves, they have to make the same decision continuously. Didion proposes that self-respect is a discipline that can be developed and trained (217). Likewise, Keller argues that optimism depends on a willing effort, a choice to always cooperate with the good (18). Therefore, both self-respect and optimism do not come effortlessly and demand a sacrifice. People who value themselves recognize that such a sensation has a price and are ready to invest something of themselves, like losing the attraction of others (Didion 217). Similarly, optimists must count the cost for their belief to be strong enough to overcome problems (Keller 17). Accordingly, optimism and self-respect are interconnected due to the need to constantly make conscious decisions toward a better life.
Retort
Upon analyzing the two texts, I can respond to Didion and Keller that I agree with their main arguments but have some minor contradictions. It appears reasonable for self-respect and optimism to require effort because people have to choose to focus on their positive qualities over their weaknesses or believe that a certain event will end in a good way. Nevertheless, Didion suggests that without appreciating themselves, a person is likely to be eventually left alone with emptiness (218). However, I would argue that such a realization should not be considered a final point, as an individual may use this experience to start moving toward self-respect, which requires a preceding bad event (Didion 215). Moreover, Keller states that moving forward is “a habit learned suddenly” (15). Yet, I would dispute that while it may be the case for some people, others may take a long time to prepare for a change as they overcome their fears and gather strength for transformation. Nonetheless, the viewpoints presented by the two authors seem favorable in indicating that a person’s life can improve if the individual decides to try.
Conclusion
To summarize, Didion and Keller argue that one must have an inner power to make decisions distinguishable from those of other people. Didion claims that a person has to have character and discipline to embrace self-respect and take responsibility for their actions. Keller proposes that an individual has to make a willing effort to become an optimist able to prioritize good over evil. The two texts relate to one another in the presentation of the arguments and the idea that self-respect and optimism advance life but require a preceding bad experience and the power to make certain decisions.
Works Cited
Didion, Joan. On Self-Respect. Yale Learning, 1961. Yale Learning.
Keller, Helen. Optimism. The Merrymount Press, 1903. Gutenberg EBook.