"Rarest of the real poets are born poets. They are the oddballs, not the professors"

James Broughton's quote, "Rarest of the genuine poets are born poets. They are the oddballs, not the teachers", captures a profound viewpoint on the nature and origins of poetic skill. It suggests that genuine poetic gift is an inherent quality, something that comes naturally instead of being produced or taught.

When Broughton describes "born poets", he highlights the concept that real poets possess an intrinsic and distinct vision of the world that sets them apart from others. Their relationship with language is innate and intuitive, typically expressing themselves in ways that are both extensive and unpredictable. These poets do not adhere to standard or conventional methods of poetic expression; rather, their work often exhibits spontaneity and credibility. They exist on the fringes of societal norms, that makes their work distinct and impactful. This outsider status aligns them with the concept of being "oddballs", who are various and sometimes misinterpreted by mainstream society.

Contrasting the "born poets" with "teachers", Broughton points to a division in between natural skill and learned ability. Professors, in this context, represent those who pursue poetry academically, studying its methods and epochs, often adhering to recognized standards and canons. While their contributions to poetry and its conservation are valuable, Broughton recommends that academic learning alone can not duplicate the raw, unfiltered point of view of a born poet.

In addition, Broughton implies that real poetic creativity may resist confinement within structured instructional frameworks. This does not dismiss the worth of academic study but distinguishes between imagination that comes from internally versus that which is cultivated through external impact. The quote therefore celebrates the creativity and unorthodoxy of born poets, stressing that the essence of genuine poetry depends on its capability to go beyond limits and evince the extensive individuality of private experience. This event of "oddballs" works as a suggestion of the innovative possible fundamental in those who see and express the world differently.