“Fame will go by and, so long, I’ve had you, fame. If it goes by, I’ve always known it was fickle. So at least it’s something I experience, but that’s not where I live.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“Fame will go by and, so long, I’ve had you, fame. If it goes by, I’ve always known it was fickle. So at least it’s something I experience, but that’s not where I live.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marilyn Monroe reflects on the fleeting nature of fame with both wisdom and emotional distance. By personifying fame—“so long, I’ve had you, fame”—she acknowledges it as a temporary companion, not a permanent home. Her awareness that fame is “fickle” reveals her clear-eyed understanding that public adoration can disappear as quickly as it arrives. She accepts this transience not with bitterness, but with gratitude and realism, recognizing fame as an experience, not an identity.
What makes this quote especially profound is her final declaration: “that’s not where I live.” This simple phrase asserts that Monroe did not anchor her sense of self in external validation. Despite being one of the most famous women in the world, she makes it clear that her inner life, values, and self-worth were not rooted in celebrity. It’s a powerful expression of emotional groundedness, especially from someone so often defined by her image.
Today, in a culture obsessed with visibility and online recognition, Monroe’s words are more relevant than ever. They remind us that fame is not a destination but a fleeting circumstance, and that real fulfillment must come from within. Her quote encourages us to experience success with humility and perspective, and to build a life that exists beyond applause and spotlight.
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