--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I detest self-regard. If my work has…" description: "\"I detest self-regard. If my work has taught me anything, it is that self-aggrandisement is completely unhistorical.\" — Peter Ackroyd" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/940/peter-ackroyd-2223_detest_i-detest-self-regard-if-my-work-has-taug_2370426.jpg" --- # I detest self-regard. If my work has taught me anything… ![“I detest self-regard. If my work has taught me anything, it is that self-aggrandisement is completely unhistorical.” quote by Peter Ackroyd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/940/peter-ackroyd-2223_detest_i-detest-self-regard-if-my-work-has-taug_2370426.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/940/peter-ackroyd-2223_detest_i-detest-self-regard-if-my-work-has-taug_2370426.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/940/peter-ackroyd-2223_detest_i-detest-self-regard-if-my-work-has-taug_2370426.jpg) > “I detest self-regard. If my work has taught me anything, it is that self-aggrandisement is completely unhistorical.” [Peter Ackroyd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-ackroyd/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He rejects self‑importance, viewing self‑praise as historically inaccurate. **In simple terms:** He dislikes self‑praise and sees it as unhistorical. Key Takeaway Avoid self‑aggrandizement. Themes humility historical perspective self‑critique Mood reflective critical Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - academic writing - personal reflection - public speaking - leadership training Key Concepts ego authenticity historical accuracy Questions to Reflect On - Is humility always preferable? - When might self‑promotion be necessary? A Different Perspective Self‑praise can sometimes be justified. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) ## Related quotes > [I like to think of film-making not just as an act of personal self-aggrandisement but rather as an act of public service.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-payne/i-like-to-think-of-film-making-not-just-as-an-act-of-personal-self/) [Alexander Payne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-payne/) > [“Masturbation is not only an expression of self-regard: it is also the natural emotional outlet of those who, before anything has reared its ugly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/quentin-crisp/masturbation-is-not-only-an-expression-of-self-regard-it-is-also-the/) [Quentin Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/quentin-crisp/) > [“Accordingly, the one respect in which I depart from my younger self is that I now regard those people who have little or no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lionel-shriver/accordingly-the-one-respect-in-which-i-depart-from-my-younger-self-is/) [Lionel Shriver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lionel-shriver/) > [Because a God who is ultimately most focused on his own glory will be about the business of restoring us, who are all broken…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-chandler/because-a-god-who-is-ultimately-most-focused-on-his-own-glory-will-be/) [Matt Chandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-chandler/) > [Too much self-regard has never struck me as dignified: trying to twist over my shoulder to view my own behind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marge-piercy/too-much-self-regard-has-never-struck-me-as-dignified-trying-to-twist/) [Marge Piercy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marge-piercy/) > [“In measured doses, mortification cleanses the soul. 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