“I don’t consider myself an intellectual. And this is not one of my aims. But I admire intellectual people.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“I don’t consider myself an intellectual. And this is not one of my aims. But I admire intellectual people.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marilyn Monroe makes a clear distinction between identity and aspiration. She candidly states that she does not see herself as an intellectual and does not pursue that identity, yet she expresses genuine admiration for those who are. This shows both humility and an openness to qualities she values in others, even if they are not part of her own self-concept.
During her lifetime, Monroe was often dismissed as merely a beautiful face or a comedic actress, but behind her glamorous image was a woman who read widely, engaged in thoughtful conversation, and sought personal growth. Her statement reveals a nuanced self-awareness: she may not have aimed to be an intellectual, but she respected intellect deeply, perhaps in part because it represented a kind of seriousness and respect she often felt denied.
In a broader sense, the quote encourages respect for differences in identity and ambition. In an age where people often feel pressured to be everything at once—intelligent, successful, attractive—Monroe’s words remind us that it’s possible to value what others embody without needing to claim it for ourselves. Admiration without envy, and self-acceptance without pretense, is a rare and admirable balance.
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