Marilyn Monroe quotes more about life than about sex. She was more than an actress, singer, comedian and sex symbol. Marilyn Monroe was quite a philosopher!

Her quotes covered topics as varied as human sexuality, women’s rights and politics. Some of her quotes reflected her conflicts, but many more were simply whimsical and to the point.

Marilyn Monroe Quotes – The Best Ones

“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
- Marilyn Monroe

She knew she was a woman before her time. Her controversy not only made good headlines, it was good for the Marilyn “brand.” This quote symbolized her sense of self from a human perspective.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This properly reflects Marilyn Monroe quotes in a duality as a person who has been abused publicly, but knows that bouncing back is the only solution. Her objectification by the men in her life and the public masked her individuality.

Marilyn Monroe quotes about her share of problems. While not calling them out directly, her attitude of “tearing things down in order to build something better” is reflected in this statement.

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
- Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn: Her Life in Her Own Words

Pure Marilyn. Her ability to be ridiculous and NOT boring was one quality that made her not only stand out, but stand out shamelessly with an individual spirit that was not only ahead of her time, but laid the groundwork for a new woman’s empowerment movement in the coming decades.

Marilyn Monroe Quotes – About Love

“A wise girl kisses but doesn’t love, listens but doesn’t believe, and leaves before she is left.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Fear of commitment is a common theme for many men. Rare is the woman who loves them and leaves them. But in order to avoid the hurt of heartbreak, Marilyn, like many others leave a relationship before it gets too deep.

“I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil. I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Not sure if this is a real Marilyn Monroe quote! It sounds more like a movie line than a projection from her heart or mind.

“If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Laughter is a great aphrodisiac, of course, and Marilyn had her share of talent in making the world laugh with her dumb blonde humor. It works for men, but few women have the gifts she had for making us laugh and aroused at the same time.

“If you’re gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Another self-sacrificing quote where Marilyn admits to being pretty and, of course, have more than one “façade.” Her private life and intellect was rarely portrayed in her films and appearances. The quitessential sex symbol was a beauty, but her outward beauty, of course, hid her inner self.

“The real lover is the man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space.”
- Marilyn Monroe

As a physical sex symbol, most people think that an equally dashing man or powerful leader is the only attractive qualities that someone like Marilyn would appreciate. Marilyn Monroe quotes that a man who can kiss her forehead or smiles into her eyes is a true lover was lost by the public who worshiped her and the men who woo’ed her.

“When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I’m already better than them.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Yeah…She’s a professional actor. Enough said.

Another Marilyn Monroe Quotes – About Love

“It’s better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This reflects Marilyn’s troubled relationships to a tee. With all the loves of her life coming and going, it would seem that her brief spells of being alone may have given her the most peace. The problem is, how long can the world’s sexiest woman stay off the market?

“Ever notice how ‘What the hell’ is always the right answer?”
- Marilyn Monroe

Sex symbol, poet, author and, of course, humorist! Marilyn was unabashedly a strong woman who outwardly exuded unshakable confidence. Even though she was as beautiful and feminine as they come, her confidence and edgy sexuality had a masculine side that was equally captivating.

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Never underestimate a woman’s desire for excellent footwear.
- Marilyn Monroe

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends – they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything – they’re your true best friends. Don’t let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they’ll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them – actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can’t give up because if you give up, you’ll never find your soul mate. You’ll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe quotes about her private life was obviously full of heartache. She was not a man-basher, per say. However, her romantic turmoil’s did drive her to reflect upon focusing on yourself first. The foundation of any relationship, of course, is not only be true to yourself and your friends, but honest with who you are and being OK with yourself regardless if you are with your soul mate or not.

Famous Marilyn Monroe Quotes and Sayings

Marilyn Monroe quotes her philosophy as casually as she would bat her eyelashes. One of my favorite quotes is, “We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Live every day fully. Great advice, of course. When we look back upon our lives, our fears delay living fully. When mistakes are made, they usually can’t be reversed, so regrets are a waste of energy. Marilyn made her share of mistakes, but rarely apologized for them. This quality is another reason she was not only revered, but respected by men and women alike.

“I’ve never fooled anyone. I’ve let people fool themselves. They didn’t bother to find out who and what I was. Instead they would invent a character for me. I wouldn’t argue with them. They were obviously loving somebody I wasn’t.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn’s duality on and off the screen crosses over. Of course she allowed people to be fooled by her dumb blonde routine. It made her rich and famous. Unfortunately for the public (and Marilyn) some people didn’t recognize where the acting stopped and where the real person started. Marilyn’s desire for true love of her inner beauty was elusive.

“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This is one of those “yawn” Marilyn Monroe quotes about world peace, blah blah. Marilyn did, of course, do plenty of USO work for the military and may have had a few glimpes of the international scene that others did not.

“She was a girl who knew how to be happy even when she was sad. And that’s important—you know ”
- Marilyn Monroe

Putting on a good “face” when you are facing heartache and despair is not something that is easy to do. When you are a public figure, unfortunately, oftentimes you have no choice. You could be completely devastated inside, but have to shoot a comedy or love scene that day. For Marilyn, her internal struggles were compounded by the fact that many of them were public knowledge.

“I don’t mind living in a man’s world, as long as I can be a woman in it.”
- Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn: Her Life in Her Own Words

Women should be feminine. Marilyn had the unique ability to be a strong and confident (masculine traits) woman with a high degree of femininity and sex appeal.

“Who said nights were for sleep?”
- Marilyn Monroe

In the 50’s and early 60’s, hundreds of thousands of men probably lost sleep over this quote! When they did sleep, many more dreamt about the beautiful bombshell, Marilyn Monroe.

“The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least I can dream.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This is one of those rare, transparent quotes about Marilyn’s absolute misery with her life. When she dreamt, what did she dream about? Did she dream about a normal life away from the cameras? Did she dream about an ordinary life with a husband, kids and a house in the suburbs?

Marilyn Monroe Quotes and Sayings – About Girls

All little girls should be told they are pretty, even if they aren’t.
- Marilyn Monroe

When you are touted as the sexiest woman in the world, it is not only a heavy burden personally, but when Marilyn saw others, she saw the beauty women had, in any form.

“Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Love this “Power Woman” quote from Marilyn. In the 50’s and early 60’s, women were still regulated to being secretaries and homemakers. An ambitious woman was rare and a successfully ambitious one was rarer still. Marilyn truly paved a path for millions of women to be empowered.

“You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Many of Marilyn Monroe quotes are about lies, perception and deception. The old adage, “Don’t believe your own press” is notable, especially when you are a living legend. Being an icon for sex appeal in an age of conservatism wasn’t easy. It obviously took its toll on Marilyn. She was strong, but still had her breaking points.

“It’s not true that I had nothing on. I had the radio on.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Dumb blonde comedic lines laced with sensuality were her trademark. The image of a naked Marilyn Monroe with soft music is almost too much to bear.

“We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Even though she had to play the role as the most beautiful woman in the world, Marilyn knew that elevating one person devalues another. Equality among the sexes had not been invented yet. We all deserved to twinkle and her inspiration to women, albeit as a sex object, was a catalyst for empowering change.

“If I’d observed all the rules I’d never have got anywhere.”
- Marilyn Monroe

A quintessential rule breaker, Marilyn could get away with more than the average person. American’s are born from rebels and we always embrace a rebel who is a contrarian and goes against the grain. It appeals to our sense of individualism (especially when we can’t express it ourselves).

“It’s often just enough to be with someone. I don’t need to touch them. Not even talk. A feeling passes between you both. You’re not alone.”
- Marilyn Monroe

When you are a sex symbol, people naturally assume you are into sex. Marilyn Monroe quotes about feelings reinforces her desire to be perceived as more than a sex symbol-a person with feelings and heart.

“It’s better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what your not”
- Marilyn Monroe

This quote by Marilyn’s expressed how the public loved her image and how she dealt with the image that was disgusted by others. She rarely apologized for who she was and would rather deal with the rejection for her authenticity than the adoration of her image.

“I want to grow old without facelifts. I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face I have made.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Her face needed no facelift (and due to her untimely death, none was ever needed). She probably would have aged gracefully and with class. However, as a sex symbol, rare is the aged female actress that can transform from a youthful sex symbol to a classy older woman. The only 60-70 yr. olds who have elegantly transitioned are ones that have had work done. Hollywood and the media do not take kindly to our female icons getting old. Marilyn Monroe quotes a striking contrast of growing old gracefully with the fact that we never gave her a chance to do so.

The Best Quotes by Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe quotes not only her wit and style, but oftentimes a quiet pain of the burden she carried as a reluctant sex symbol of her time.

“Success makes so many people hate you. I wish it wasn’t that way. It would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn wasn’t sheltered from the critics in this area. If there were dozens of sex symbols during her reign, it might have been easier. However, when you are at the very top of the heap, envy is inescapable.

“Dogs never bite me. Just humans.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Another quote reflecting the critics of Marilyn along with the everyday whimisical nature of dogs.

“Sex is part of nature. I go along with nature.”
- Marilyn Monroe

As a sex symbol, this play on words shows both sensuality and intelligence. (Which, of course, increases her sensuality! A smart woman who is humorous is very attractive)

“I don’t want to make money, I just want to be wonderful.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Being wonderful as an icon naturally leads to money. Marilyn’s ongoing trips overseas and doing shows for the Military via the USO exemplifies her passion for being wonderful. Of course, she did earn a substantial income as an actress, but being on stage was her true passion. Marilyn Monroe quotes herself in phrases like these, but more importantly, she is quoting how the public feels about her.

“I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.”
- Marilyn Monroe

As the “dumb blonde” routine goes, Marilyn created this stereotype. On camera, directors insisted she play up this role. It was funny, appealing and increased box office receipts. For Marilyn, she took more than a few opportunities to let the public know she was smart…smart enough to act dumb.

“I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!”
- Marilyn Monroe

Feminine branding meets accolades.

Quotes by Marilyn Monroe – Regarding Life in General

“You never know what life is like, until you have lived it.”
- Marilyn Monroe

While this sounds like a Yogi Berra quote, Marilyn did say this. Her life, although short, was lived as fully as possible. She remained, even in death, a symbol of life.

“I restore myself when I’m alone.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Sort of a boring, “who cares” quote from Marilyn. Marilyn Monroe quotes a peacefulness she desired but rarely obtained.

“It’s all make believe, isn’t it?”
- Marilyn Monroe

This quote may have been from a movie, but it certainly reflects the humor, style and authenticity Marilyn had for her roles in movies and in life. Both avenues were make believe for most of her life.

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Made into the title of a movie, Marilyn needed no coaching on how to play this role. She loved life and her humor, style and appreciation for beauty was legendary. This quote probably did as much good for DeBeers as it did for the box office.

“The body is meant to be seen, not all covered up.”
- Marilyn Monroe

If this quote was from Dr. Ruth, we would dismiss it or visualize someone other than her. When it comes from the lips of the sexiest woman of her time, we only visualize HER body not being covered up.

“I don’t mind being burdened with being glamorous and sexual. Beauty and femininity are ageless and can’t be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won’t like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it’s based on femininity.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This is a brilliant quote from a woman who could be both outwardly beautiful and internally glamorous.

“Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul. I know, because I turned down the first offer often enough and held out for the fifty cents.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn digs at the shallow Hollywood business. Her torment of always being “on” spilled over into her personal life. Her soul was corrupted by the image that made her famous. Marilyn Monroe quotes not only the shame of Hollywood’s shallow nature, but the inevitable world of fame and fortune that she was drawn into.

“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn tries to put a “good face” on with this simple and peaceful quote about attitude. Her smile made her millions, but it didn’t reflect the turmoil inside her inner self.

“I’m very definitely a woman and I enjoy it. ”
- Marilyn Monroe

A brave, bold and confident statement that added to the power she wielded. Marilyn taught us that it is acceptable to be feminine AND empowered.

“We are all born sexual creatures, thank God, but it’s a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This is another titillating, sexy quote from the world’s iconic sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe. Be adding a bit of philosophy and spirituality to this quote, Marilyn positions herself again as the confident, emancipated woman.

“I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night — there must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me, dreaming of becoming a movie star. But I’m not going to worry about them. I’m dreaming the hardest.”
- Marilyn Monroe

An earlier quote as she rose to fame, Marilyn’s need for affirmation is best suited as the actress/singer/comedian.

“If I play a stupid girl and ask a stupid question, I’ve got to follow it through, what am I supposed to do, look intelligent?”
- Marilyn Monroe

In response to the obvious question of why she plays the “dumb blonde” roles when she is obviously one smart cookie. Marilyn Monroe quotes herself, of course, but in the same sentence, she works a jab into the public’s perception of the dumb blonde who is actually as smart as a fox (and looked like one, too!)

“What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course”
- Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn’s play on word with an overabundance of sexuality makes this one of her most popular Marilyn Monroe quotes.

Marilyn Monroe was an actress, singer, comedian and the most recognizable sex symbol of her time. Her wit, insight and courage is easily captured in her words. The following collection of Marilyn Monroe quotes does not encompass all of her quotes, but certainly her most popular.

“Before marriage, a girl has to make love to a man to hold him. After marriage, she has to hold him to make love to him.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This quote reminds us of Marilyn’s inability to establish commitments in her relationships. She was seen publicly and privately by many of her suitors as a sex symbol. She yearned to be adored as a person, but her beauty and sex appeal often clouded her ability to achieve this.

“I’ve been on a calendar, but never on time.”
- Marilyn Monroe

This is one of her famous “scatter-brained” blonde jokes that reveals, in a single sentence, her beauty (calendar girl), ditzyness (never on time) and humor (blending the statement).

Marilyn Monroe Quotes – Her Greatest Quotes About Life

“I have feelings too. I am still human. All I want is to be loved, for myself and for my talent. ”
- Marilyn Monroe

Adored but rarely loved fully, Marilyn’s obvious desire for a normal life is revealed. Of course she was human, but rarely did her suitor or the public look at her in any other manner other than as a sex symbol.

“Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together”
- Marilyn Monroe

Falling apart and falling together reminds us of the other famous quote, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

“I love to do the things the censors won’t pass.”
- Marilyn Monroe

The naughty side of Marilyn was revealed privately to a few, but hinted at in this famous quote. It lets our imaginations run wild.

“I learned to walk as a baby and I haven’t had a lesson since.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Humorist to the end, this quote makes us smile as it reminds us of life lessons and how so many things we learn take time, are awkward, but we can achieve it one day at a time. Marilyn Monroe quotes not only her ambitions, but her perspective on not taking herself too seriously.

“A sex symbol becomes a thing. I hate being a thing.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Clearly stated in this quote, Marilyn reminds us that while she enjoyed the attention and used her natural talents to launch and maintain her career, she disliked the two-dimensional aspect of being a sex symbol. She was a complex person and had the same yearnings and feelings any woman has.

“I have too many fantasies to be a housewife…. I guess I am a fantasy.”
- Marilyn Monroe

A great play on words about sexual fantasy and the normal world most people live in, Marilyn gives us a glimpse at her unabashed confidence at being a fantasy for so many men.

“I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else.”
- Marilyn Monroe

When you are the #1 sex symbol in the world, it is difficult to have peers. This is especially true in the world of Hollywood where there is so much competition. Her desire to belong to a peer group was never quenched. Without a non-competitive peer group, Marilyn gave in to belonging to the public as the icon she became. Marilyn Monroe quotes not only her joy at her success but the struggle associated with the journey to get there.

“Some people have been unkind. If I say I want to grow as an actress, they look at my figure. If I say I want to develop, to learn my craft, they laugh. Somehow they don’t expect me to be serious about my work. ”
- Marilyn Monroe

Another bold statement by a woman who knew she was more than an object. One only has to review her films to know that her skills on camera were not simply being pretty. She had talent and wanted to become better. Marilyn Monroe quotes always seem to bring a fresh perspective to the woman we thought we knew, but only had partial knowledge of.

“I am invariably late for appointments – sometimes as much as two hours. I’ve tried to change my ways but the things that make me late are too strong, and too pleasing.”
- Marilyn Monroe

Here’s a great quote that stirs the imagination. Some people are prompt, Marilyn was not. Using her mystery and sexuality as an excuse could diffuse being late for nearly any appointment.

Marilyn Monroe Quote – This is One of Our Favorite Ones

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends – they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything – they’re your true best friends. Don’t let go of them.”

- Marilyn Monroe

Friendships that last a long time are ones to be nurtured, cherished and fed. Being a larger than life, living legend, it was difficult for Marilyn to filter out her true friends from ones with agendas. Over time, the ones that stayed revealed themselves as true guardians of their bond. Again, Marilyn Monroe quotes such as these clearly outline her l0nging for selfless friendships.

“Friendship is the best thing that comes to life. Friends will always be there for you don’t worry about the fakes worry about the people who had your back from the start and never treated you wrong always remember they are your real friends don’t never take them as granted because one day your going to lose a good friend by the way your action’s are when you see a good friend stick to that person .”
- Marilyn Monroe

This is another friendship quote that smacks in the center of the people who took advantage of Marilyn and reveres the ones who stood by her side. Can you guess which ones were which?

“Dreaming about being an actress, is more exciting then being one.”
- Marilyn Monroe

The journey is all we have. The goals, once attained, are not as satisfying as the path to earn them.

“All a girl really wants is for one guy to prove to her that they are not all the same.”
- Marilyn Monroe

When you are an iconic sex symbol, it is difficult to get a man to see past that and explore your inner beauty and character. Marilyn’s only chance at finding a guy who appreciated her for who she was would have had to of been blind. Marilyn Monroe quotes more than her inner struggles, she quoted life in general.