Meaning: The quote "I was a modest, good-humoured boy. It is Oxford that has made me insufferable." is attributed to the English essayist, parodist, and caricaturist Max Beerbohm. It provides a humorous insight into the transformation and perhaps arrogance that can result from being educated at a prestigious institution like Oxford.

Max Beerbohm, born in 1872, was known for his wit and satire, and this quote exemplifies his self-deprecating humor. The quote suggests that the speaker, presumably Beerbohm himself, was once a humble and amiable individual, but the experience of attending Oxford University has somehow inflated his ego to the point of becoming insufferable.

Oxford University, located in Oxford, England, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It has a long history of producing prominent figures in various fields, including politics, literature, and the arts. Attending Oxford is often associated with a certain level of intellectual and social elitism, and Beerbohm's quote plays on this perception.

The quote can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one level, it may be a lighthearted jab at the culture of privilege and entitlement that can sometimes be associated with elite institutions. Beerbohm humorously suggests that the once-humble individual has been transformed into an insufferable personality by the elitist environment of Oxford.

On another level, the quote may also reflect on the impact of higher education on one's sense of self. It is not uncommon for individuals who have achieved academic success or attended prestigious universities to develop a sense of intellectual superiority or elitism. Beerbohm's quote captures the irony of how an institution renowned for its academic excellence and intellectual rigor can also contribute to an individual's self-importance and arrogance.

Additionally, the quote may also be a commentary on the idea of self-awareness and the ability to recognize and laugh at one's own flaws. Beerbohm presents himself as the butt of the joke, acknowledging that he has become insufferable as a result of his Oxford education. This self-deprecating humor is a hallmark of Beerbohm's writing and personality, showcasing his ability to poke fun at himself and the world around him.

In conclusion, Max Beerbohm's quote "I was a modest, good-humoured boy. It is Oxford that has made me insufferable." offers a playful and insightful commentary on the potential consequences of attending a prestigious institution like Oxford. It reflects on issues of elitism, self-perception, and the ability to laugh at oneself. Through this quote, Beerbohm invites us to consider the transformative power of education and the humorous ways in which it can shape our personalities.