--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Somebody asked Somerset Maugham about his…" description: "\"Somebody asked Somerset Maugham about his place in the pantheon of writers, and he said, \"I'm in the very front row of the second rate.\" I'm sort of ha..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cc/stephen-king-13_fronts_somebody-asked-somerset-maugham-about-hi_735507.jpg" --- # Somebody asked Somerset Maugham about his place in the… ![“Somebody asked Somerset Maugham about his place in the pantheon of writers, and he said, "I'm in the very front row of the second rate." I'm sort of haunted by that.” quote by Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cc/stephen-king-13_fronts_somebody-asked-somerset-maugham-about-hi_735507.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cc/stephen-king-13_fronts_somebody-asked-somerset-maugham-about-hi_735507.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cc/stephen-king-13_fronts_somebody-asked-somerset-maugham-about-hi_735507.jpg) > “Somebody asked Somerset Maugham about his place in the pantheon of writers, and he said, "I'm in the very front row of the second rate." I'm sort of haunted by that.” [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He humorously places himself among second‑tier writers, revealing humility and self‑awareness. **In simple terms:** He sees himself as modestly ranked. Key Takeaway Accept your place, but keep improving. Themes humility self‑assessment literary reputation Mood reflective humorous Type philosophical self‑critical When to use this quote - author events - writing workshops - career planning - self‑reflection Key Concepts ego career perspective Questions to Reflect On - Do you truly accept your level? - How does humility affect ambition? A Different Perspective Self‑deprecation may mask deeper insecurities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Pantheon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pantheon/) [Second rate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/second-rate/) [Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/somerset-maugham/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [“Writers, it is said, all carry a chip of ice in their hearts”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pam-houston/writers-it-is-said-all-carry-a-chip-of-ice-in-their-hearts/) [Pam Houston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pam-houston/) > [I texted one of the writers I said, 'I have this crazy idea, I think I have to play Fran Lebowitz on Update.' The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bowen-yang/i-texted-one-of-the-writers-i-said-i-have-this-crazy-idea-i-think-i/) [Bowen Yang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bowen-yang/) > [I like what I do. 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