“A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night.”
Explanation
With this poignant remark, Marilyn Monroe reflects on the emotional limitations of professional success. While acknowledging that a career can be “wonderful,” she contrasts it with the deep human need for warmth, intimacy, and companionship. The phrase “you can’t curl up with it on a cold night” emphasizes that no matter how fulfilling or impressive a career may be, it cannot replace the comfort of human connection, particularly in moments of vulnerability or loneliness.
Monroe’s life was marked by both extraordinary fame and profound personal isolation. This quote captures the emptiness that can accompany even the most glittering achievements when they are not balanced by meaningful relationships. It reflects her awareness that emotional fulfillment cannot be bought or earned in the same way success can—a striking admission from someone who achieved more than most ever dream of professionally.
In the modern world, where many people chase careers at the expense of relationships or personal well-being, Monroe’s words serve as a timeless reminder: success alone is not enough. True contentment often lies in the quiet, unglamorous presence of someone who simply cares, especially when the lights are off and the world outside is cold.
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