Very brilliant essay, mary jane. Yes, the nexus between neoliberalism and self-care is really strong (and caught me off-guard in my life). I think I believed that self-care was a radical approach - working towards “healing” from society’s traumas, towards cultivating a “higher self.” I was very surprised to realize that - above all in therapy - self-care almost always tends to mean getting restored to your place as a cog in the system. Really appreciate this piece.
Your dedication has me beside myself with gratitude!
To give a more substantive comment...I appreciate what you say about not waiting for Catholicism or Communism to save us, which is why, for instance, I have taken the means of literary production into my own hands and advise more people to do the same. Though in all such endeavors, "near enemies of the truth" is a chastening phrase. And I hereby resolve to read more Murdoch, specifically The Black Prince, in 2024!
I eagerly await your review!
Very brilliant essay, mary jane. Yes, the nexus between neoliberalism and self-care is really strong (and caught me off-guard in my life). I think I believed that self-care was a radical approach - working towards “healing” from society’s traumas, towards cultivating a “higher self.” I was very surprised to realize that - above all in therapy - self-care almost always tends to mean getting restored to your place as a cog in the system. Really appreciate this piece.
Thank you for the very generous comment. Always nice to hear when one’s deeper thoughts resonate with someone else!
Your dedication has me beside myself with gratitude!
To give a more substantive comment...I appreciate what you say about not waiting for Catholicism or Communism to save us, which is why, for instance, I have taken the means of literary production into my own hands and advise more people to do the same. Though in all such endeavors, "near enemies of the truth" is a chastening phrase. And I hereby resolve to read more Murdoch, specifically The Black Prince, in 2024!