The quote from Joan Didion's "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" reflects on the theme of innocence and self-perception. It suggests that a person’s innocence is lost when they come to terms with reality and abandon the comforting belief that they hold a positive view of themselves. This moment of realization often accompanies a profound self-awareness, leading individuals away from the naivety of self-love toward a more complicated understanding of their identity.

Didion's statement emphasizes the psychological transition from childhood innocence to adult self-awareness. This transition can be painful as one confronts their imperfections and acknowledges true feelings about themselves. The observation resonates with the universal struggle many face in reconciling their self-image with the harsher truths of life, making it a poignant reflection on the nature of human experience.