I was born ready.

[99bottles]

This is a common phrase (you can find uncountable memes of it on google images). My question is, shouldn't it be 'have been born', since the time of birth is not specified? Also, what tense does 'I was born (insert whatever quality)' take in storytelling mode? Past perfect?

 

[GoesStation]

The present perfect passive wouldn't work in I was born ready. the speaker was born some time ago and wants people to think that even as a helpless infant they were prepared for anything.

You're right that you'd switch to the past perfect passive in related speech.

 

[Tdol]

My question is, shouldn't it be 'have been born', since the time of birth is not specified?

It may not be specified, but the speaker is thinking about a particular point in the past.