A couple of people I knew went to university apart from me, but all the way through I was the smartest kid in the school. That's luck, but I was proud of it. And I was also proud of doing well without trying. As you get older, and it took me a long time to realise it, that's a disgusting attitude, revolting.

The quote by Ricky Gervais reflects on the attitude of early pride in natural intelligence and success achieved with little effort. He acknowledges that being the "smartest kid" in school was partly luck and something he initially felt proud of. However, as he grew older, he recognized that this mindset—being proud of doing well without trying—is actually a disgusting and revolting attitude.

The origin of this quote comes from Gervais’s personal journey and growth as both a comedian and a thinker. His reflection reveals a common experience where early success without much struggle can lead to complacency or arrogance. Over time, Gervais learned that true growth and humility come from effort, persistence, and respect for the process, not just natural talent.

This quote resonates because it highlights the importance of self-awareness and personal development. Gervais’s honest admission encourages people to rethink their attitudes toward success and intelligence, warning against the trap of taking effortless achievements for granted. It’s a call to value hard work and to cultivate humility rather than arrogance.

In summary, Ricky Gervais’s quote explores the shift from youthful pride in effortless success to mature recognition of its flaws. It challenges the idea that natural ability alone is enough and emphasizes the value of effort, humility, and growth in achieving meaningful accomplishments.