Joan Didion warns against the danger of self-deception when it comes to our desires and needs. When we begin to convince ourselves that something is not just desired or necessary but a moral obligation, we stray into irrational thinking. This shift in mindset can lead to hysteria and chaos, indicating a broader societal issue driven by misguided priorities.

Didion suggests that this troubling trend may already be present in our culture, where individuals justify their wants as essential moral claims. Such reasoning can foster a sense of urgency and irrational behavior, ultimately leading to societal disarray. It serves as a cautionary reminder to critically examine our motivations and the implications of our demands.