The quote reflects a sense of disillusionment and humility from the speaker, who recognizes their lack of conventional advantages such as education, youth, or popularity. They acknowledge that they began their journey later in life and were not favored by society, which adds a layer of complexity to their existence. The speaker's modesty is evident as they express that despite being perceived as almost divine by their friends in Rome, they do not see themselves that way.

This perspective highlights the theme of isolation in the midst of acknowledgment. The speaker’s admission of being "hated all round" emphasizes their struggle for acceptance and understanding in a world that often values youth and popularity. Tuchman's work, "The March of Folly," examines the consequences of human folly throughout history, and this quote encapsulates the notion that true insight often comes from a place of hardship rather than advantage.