The quote "Even his own speeches bored him" from Barbara W. Tuchman's "The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914," reflects a sense of disillusionment and apathy. It suggests that the speaker, likely a significant historical figure, has lost passion or interest in his own rhetoric, portraying a broader theme of the era's political superficiality and the disconnect between leaders and their messages. This sentiment captures a moment when the speaker may feel trapped by the expectations of public speaking and leadership.

Tuchman's work portrays the societal and political climate leading up to World War I, highlighting the complexities and challenges of the time. The speaker's indifference to his own speeches can be seen as emblematic of a larger trend where leaders were grappling with the weight of their responsibilities while failing to connect with the public they served. This disconnection foreshadows the turmoil that would soon envelop Europe, reflecting the underlying tensions of the pre-war period.