“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.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“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.”
Explanation
In this heartfelt reflection, Marilyn Monroe speaks to the darker side of achievement—the alienation and resentment that often accompany fame and success. Her statement “Success makes so many people hate you” reveals a painful paradox: the more one achieves, the more one may attract envy, suspicion, or hostility, even from those once considered friends or supporters. This sentiment underscores the emotional cost of rising too high in the eyes of others.
Monroe’s tone is not boastful but sorrowful, as she admits, “I wish it wasn’t that way.” Her longing to “enjoy success without seeing envy” highlights a very human desire: to be celebrated without judgment, to thrive without provoking resentment. As someone who rose from obscurity to global stardom, Monroe knew firsthand how success could isolate as much as it elevated, often leaving her surrounded by those who resented her rather than rejoiced with her.
Today, this quote resonates in a world where success—especially public success—is often met with criticism, comparison, or undermining. It’s a reminder that true support and joy for others’ achievements are rare and precious, and that success, while fulfilling, can also carry an emotional burden. Monroe’s words invite reflection on how we treat those who rise—and how we might foster a culture where celebration is met with kindness, not envy.
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