The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

Content Warning: This section mentions body image, racism, ableism, and transphobia.

Using imagery and analogy, Taylor proposes that radical self-love is a natural state, inherent in every individual from birth. Taylor often draws comparisons between adults and babies to emphasize the natural state of radical self-love. She observes that babies exhibit an uninhibited fascination and love for their bodies, devoid of shame or self-criticism. This pure, unadulterated admiration contrasts with the complex views of body image that adults often experience:

We did not start life in a negative partnership with our bodies. I have never seen a toddler lament the size of their thighs, the squishiness of their belly. Children do not arrive here ashamed of their race, gender, age, or differing abilities. Babies love their bodies! Each discovery they encounter is freaking awesome. Have you ever seen an infant realize they have feet? Talk about wonder! That is what an unobstructed relationship with our bodies looks like (7).

Applying a casual and encouraging tone, Taylor assures readers that they can return to this state: “You were an infant once, which means there was a time when you thought your body was freaking awesome too” (7).