I think the most important thing in life is self-love, because if

Hearken to the words of Shailene Woodley, whose insight pierces the veil of common understanding and reaches the very heart of human existence. She speaks of the most important thing in life—self-love—a profound recognition that the foundation of all authentic connections begins within. Without reverence for one’s own body, soul, and capsule, the vessel through which we experience the world, one cannot cultivate a true and meaningful bond with another. In this teaching lies an eternal truth: the mirror of the self reflects the capacity to honor and embrace others.

Since the earliest days of philosophy, sages have extolled the virtue of knowing and loving oneself. The Oracle of Delphi proclaimed, “Know thyself,” not as mere instruction, but as a summons to intimate acquaintance with one’s own spirit. To love oneself is to understand one’s strengths, weaknesses, and hidden depths, to honor the body as a sacred temple and the soul as a luminous flame. Woodley’s wisdom echoes this ancient precept: self-respect is not vanity, but the prerequisite for authentic human connection.

Consider the life of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor, whose meditations reveal a man striving to cultivate self-mastery, integrity, and inner love amidst the burdens of empire. By tending to his own mind and spirit, Aurelius could act justly, govern wisely, and form relationships rooted in honesty and virtue. Without such inner cultivation, the emperor himself recognized, deeds would be hollow and bonds superficial. So too does Woodley remind us that the authenticity of our relationships is inseparable from the depth of our self-regard.

The modern world, with its ceaseless distractions and external judgments, often obscures this truth. Many chase validation from others, seeking love externally while neglecting the sacred task of nurturing their own capsule, their own essence. Woodley’s statement challenges this illusion: to engage meaningfully with another, one must first honor oneself. Only when the body is respected, the soul nourished, and the spirit revered can one extend genuine empathy, compassion, and intimacy outward.

History also offers the story of Frida Kahlo, whose art was an intimate reflection of her pain, her body, and her soul. Through her devotion to self-expression and self-respect, she forged relationships that recognized her authenticity, even amidst suffering. Kahlo exemplifies the principle Woodley conveys: those who love and respect themselves bring a rare and profound honesty to every connection, allowing others to encounter the whole, unguarded self.

From this insight, a clear lesson arises: cultivate self-love daily, attend to your body and mind as sacred instruments, and honor your spirit as the seat of your humanity. Reflect upon your thoughts, nurture your passions, and respect the boundaries that sustain your well-being. By doing so, you create a vessel capable of authentic interaction, where love and respect flow naturally, untainted by desperation or dependency.

Practical steps emerge for those who seek this wisdom: engage in reflective practices such as meditation or journaling, pursue physical care that honors your body, embrace your passions without apology, and forgive yourself for past mistakes. Each act of self-respect strengthens the capsule through which you experience the world, preparing you for relationships that are mutually enriching and authentic.

So heed this counsel, and let it guide your days: self-love is not indulgence, but necessity. In nurturing your own body, soul, and capsule, you cultivate the clarity, resilience, and compassion that make genuine connection possible. Let your inner devotion shine outward, that every bond you form may be rooted in truth, honor, and the enduring wisdom of those who have known that to love oneself is to open the heart fully to the love of others.