10 Brilliant Things Marilyn Monroe Said About Life — That We Should All Read

Marilyn Monroe was a lot smarter than people gave her credit for.

She might have been young and she might have had that hourglass shape that made a lot of people label her a certain way — the same people who think that if you’re beautiful, you must not be very smart — but she was wise beyond her years.

She knew that life wasn’t worth living if you weren’t living for yourself, that it was more important to do exactly what you wanted instead of trying to please people because that usually got you nowhere.

Not only did she know that life was fleeting, but she also knew that you couldn’t wait around for something to happen, because by the time you did take control of your life, it would be too late.

Marilyn Monroe was often casted as the stunning young woman who only cared about money and was a little ditzy, when in fact, she was incredibly smart and determined in real life.

She wanted to prove that she was more than a pretty face by sharing her thoughts on life.

There are few people that you will truly look up to in life who aren’t part of your family or friend group.

Especially when you’re young or going through a transitional phase in your life, you look for people who stand for the same things you do or have even gone through the same experiences you have.

It helps having that person you admire show you — and the world — how to make the most out of life.

She might seem like an unlikely source for words of wisdom, but sometimes, the best life advice comes from the unlikeliest of places.

Check out these brilliant Marilyn Monroe quotes about life, love, and everything in between below:

1.On living life while you have the chance.

“We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets.” — Marilyn Monroe

2.On experiencing everything.

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

3.On keeping your head held high.

“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

4.On being totally yourself.

“It's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” — Marilyn Monroe

5.On being independent.

“A girl doesn't need anyone who doesn't need her.” — Marilyn Monroe

6.On breaking the rules.

“If I’d observed all the rules, I’d never have gotten anywhere.” — Marilyn Monroe

7.On never giving up.

“Just because you fail once doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything.” — Marilyn Monroe

8.On being yourself.

“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” — Marilyn Monroe

9.On success.

“Success makes so many people hate you. It would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you.” — Marilyn Monroe

10.On surrounding yourself with important people.

“A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night.” — Marilyn Monroe