“No poet or orator has ever existed who believed there was any better than himself.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“No poet or orator has ever existed who believed there was any better than himself.”
Explanation
This quote wryly observes the innate pride and self-assurance common among poets and orators, who often regard their own abilities as unmatched. Cicero implies that those who dedicate their lives to the art of expression—whether through verse or speech—possess not only talent, but also a bold confidence in their superiority. While this may seem like vanity, it also reflects the nature of their craft: to persuade, to move, and to command attention, one must believe in the value and power of one’s own voice.
Cicero, himself a celebrated orator and rhetorician, speaks from experience. He understood that eloquence demands self-belief, and that public speakers and artists often blur the line between performance and identity. This quote may carry a hint of irony or humor, but it also touches on a deeper truth: creative excellence often requires an inner conviction, even bordering on audacity, to stand before others and claim the authority to speak or sing on behalf of human experience.
In modern times, this insight remains familiar in the worlds of literature, public speaking, and performance. Confidence is often essential to success in creative fields, but it can also breed rivalry, criticism, or isolation. Cicero’s words remind us that those who shape public thought through words must balance their pride with self-awareness, and that while belief in one’s own greatness can inspire brilliance, it also invites scrutiny and demands humility.
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