“Creativity has got to start with humanity and when you’re a human being, you feel, you suffer. You’re gay, you’re sick, you’re nervous or whatever.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“Creativity has got to start with humanity and when you’re a human being, you feel, you suffer. You’re gay, you’re sick, you’re nervous or whatever.”
Explanation
In this deeply empathetic and perceptive quote, Marilyn Monroe articulates a profound truth: authentic creativity is born from the human condition. She asserts that art must begin with humanity—real emotions, real struggles, and real identity. Rather than glamorizing creativity as a purely intellectual or aesthetic pursuit, Monroe grounds it in lived experience, emphasizing that true expression emerges from vulnerability and emotional honesty.
Her choice of words—“you feel, you suffer”—highlights the pain and complexity inherent in being human, while the mention of being “gay, sick, nervous or whatever” reflects her inclusive and compassionate view of the human spectrum. Monroe’s openness here is striking, especially considering the era in which she spoke, when such topics were often silenced or stigmatized. She recognizes that creativity does not exclude imperfection or marginalization—it arises from them, giving voice to those very experiences.
In today’s world, where authenticity is increasingly valued in art, this quote remains powerfully relevant. It challenges creators to draw not from perfection, but from their true, often difficult realities, and invites audiences to appreciate the courage that goes into genuine expression. Monroe’s words remind us that to create meaningfully, one must first embrace being human in all its raw and unpredictable depth.
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