"I was a modest, good-humoured boy. It is Oxford that has made me insufferable"

Max Beerbohm's quote, "I was a modest, good-humoured boy. It is Oxford that has made me unbearable", is a satirical reflection on the transformative effect of education and social influence, especially within elite institutions. Beerbohm, understood for his wit and humor, utilizes this statement to critique the broader implications of scholastic life and social environments on individuality.

Initially, Beerbohm describes himself as "a modest, good-humoured young boy", suggesting a natural, unpretentious, and reasonable disposition. This part of the quote sets the phase for an implicit contrast in between an easy, unaffected nature and the subsequent change caused by his time at Oxford University, emblematic of traditional British aristocracy and intelligence.

The phrase "It is Oxford that has made me insufferable" carries an ironic tone, indicating that his education at a prestigious institution has actually modified his disposition for the worse. This improvement could be interpreted in a number of methods. On one hand, it might critique the elitism and pretentiousness that can often accompany a distinguished education. Going to a popular institution like Oxford typically includes direct exposure to high scholastic requirements, enthusiastic peers, and a culture that might motivate competitiveness and self-importance. In Beerbohm's view, these influences could result in attitudes viewed as big-headed or "unbearable" by others.

Moreover, the quote touches on the style of identity and the pressure to comply with social expectations. As students immerse themselves in the culture of a place like Oxford, they might embrace habits and attitudes that align with the institution's well-regarded tradition, sometimes at the cost of their initial, more modest qualities.

Overall, Beerbohm's declaration acts as an amusing yet crucial commentary on the stress between individual credibility and the external impacts of prestigious organizations. It invites reflection on how education shapes people, not simply intellectually, but in their character and social identity.