Who said “No man can ever end with being superior who will not begin with being inferior.”?

Verified

Sydney Smith. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLecture IX : On the Conduct of the Understanding

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“No man can ever end with being superior who will not begin with being inferior.”
— Sydney Smith
VerifiedLecture IX : On the Conduct of the Understanding · evidencePower

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Lecture IX : On the Conduct of the Understanding.

APA

Smith, S. (n.d.). No man can ever end with being superior who will not begin with being inferior. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34012-no-man-can-ever-end-with-being-superior/

MLA

Smith, Sydney. “No man can ever end with being superior who will not begin with being inferior.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34012-no-man-can-ever-end-with-being-superior/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Smith, Sydney. “No man can ever end with being superior who will not begin with being inferior.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34012-no-man-can-ever-end-with-being-superior/.

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