“Having a child, that’s always been my biggest fear. I want a child and I fear a child.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“Having a child, that’s always been my biggest fear. I want a child and I fear a child.”
Explanation
This quote from Marilyn Monroe encapsulates a deep emotional conflict—the longing for motherhood paired with a powerful fear of it. The duality of “I want a child and I fear a child” reflects not only her personal struggles, but also the broader human experience of desiring something intensely while being terrified of the responsibility and vulnerability it brings. For Monroe, whose life was shaped by instability, abandonment, and fame, the idea of raising a child was likely charged with both hope and apprehension.
Her fear may have stemmed from her own traumatic childhood, spent in foster homes and orphanages, and from her uncertain sense of self. Becoming a parent means offering security and emotional grounding—things she often lacked herself. At the same time, her longing for a child speaks to her desire to create and nurture life, to give the love she never fully received. This tension between yearning and dread is both heartbreaking and deeply human.
Today, Monroe’s quote resonates with many who face complex feelings around parenthood—from fears of inadequacy to anxieties about repeating painful patterns. It reminds us that love and fear often coexist, especially when we contemplate major life choices. Her honesty offers comfort to those navigating similar emotions, and her words remain a testament to the raw courage it takes to confront one’s deepest desires and vulnerabilities.
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