---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's not that I was an outright nitwit of…"
description: "\"“It's not that I was an outright nitwit of a child.”\" — Augusten Burroughs"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/augusten-burroughs-603_child_it-s-not-that-i-was-an-outright-nitwit-o_51703.png"
---

#  It's not that I was an outright nitwit of a child.

![“It's not that I was an outright nitwit of a child.” quote by Augusten Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/augusten-burroughs-603_child_it-s-not-that-i-was-an-outright-nitwit-o_51703.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/augusten-burroughs-603_child_it-s-not-that-i-was-an-outright-nitwit-o_51703.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/augusten-burroughs-603_child_it-s-not-that-i-was-an-outright-nitwit-o_51703.png)

> ““It's not that I was an outright nitwit of a child.””

[Augusten Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/augusten-burroughs/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Acknowledges early intellectual shortcomings without claiming total ignorance, highlighting a nuanced self‑assessment.

**In simple terms:** Self‑recognition of limited intellect

Key Takeaway

Self‑awareness of early limits

Themes

self‑reflection humility growth identity

Mood

reflective humorous introspective

Type

personal anecdote self‑deprecating remark

When to use this quote

- reflecting on childhood,writing memoirs,discussing personal development
- evaluating past abilities

Key Concepts

self‑assessment personal narrative

Practical Applications

- writing autobiographical essays
- coaching others on self‑acceptance

Questions to Reflect On

- How does acknowledging early flaws affect confidence?
- Can modest self‑assessment foster growth?

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[Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Outright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/outright/)

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