In the book "Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom," John O'Donohue emphasizes the importance of self-perception. He suggests that relying on how others perceive you can lead to a distorted self-image, obscuring your true light and beauty. Viewing oneself through external opinions can create a confusing and negative self-identity, which can feel awkward or unattractive.
O'Donohue underscores that one's sense of inner beauty should remain a personal and intimate realization. The acknowledgment of one's own worth and beauty is a deeply private journey, one that requires introspection and self-acceptance, divorced from the judgments and views of the outside world.