"Somehow I think it was declared very early on that I was the - if not the black sheep of the family, not a very good student"

In this quote, Dustin Hoffman assesses his viewed function and track record within his family and academic context. The expression "black sheep of the household" usually refers to a member of the family who is thought about different or does not fit in with the rest. It indicates a sense of being an outsider, someone who deviates from the anticipated standards or standards maintained by the family. Hoffman's option of words suggests a sense of exclusion or a label put upon him at an early age.

By mentioning, "if not the black sheep of the family", Hoffman acknowledges the possibility that he might not have been the supreme outlier, yet there was still something that set him apart from his siblings or relatives. This expression shows a degree of introspection, as he thinks about how he was perceived by his relative. His hesitance in totally welcoming the "black sheep" label may mean intricacies within household dynamics or his own understandings of those characteristics.

Hoffman likewise describes himself as "not an excellent trainee", suggesting that his performance in educational settings did not line up with common scholastic standards. This admission may indicate a non-conventional methods of discovering or an early battle with standard educational systems, which typically prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over creativity and alternative approaches to understanding.

Together, these components paint a photo of Hoffman as a person who might have faced social and familial expectations, maybe gravitating towards courses less traveled by others in his household. His self-awareness and candid reflection show a nuanced understanding of how early labels can shape one's self-perception and life choices. Furthermore, his success as a well-known actor later in life resonates as a testimony to how non-conformity and unique personal qualities, as soon as seen as shortcomings, can be transformative properties in attaining distinction and success.