“Someone said to me, ‘If fifty percent of the experts in Hollywood said you had no talent and should give up, what would you do?’ My answer was then and still is, ‘If a hundred percent told me that, all one hundred percent would be wrong.'”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
table of contents
Quote
“Someone said to me, ‘If fifty percent of the experts in Hollywood said you had no talent and should give up, what would you do?’ My answer was then and still is, ‘If a hundred percent told me that, all one hundred percent would be wrong.'”
Explanation
This quote from Marilyn Monroe is a bold declaration of self-belief in the face of criticism and rejection. When asked how she would react if the majority—or even all—of Hollywood’s so-called experts dismissed her talent, she replies with unshakable conviction: “they would be wrong.” Her response asserts that true worth isn’t determined by external validation, no matter how authoritative the source. For Monroe, belief in herself mattered more than consensus opinion, even in an industry obsessed with approval.
This defiance is especially powerful considering the intense scrutiny Monroe faced throughout her career. Frequently underestimated or dismissed as merely a “dumb blonde,” she was often denied serious recognition for her acting ability. Yet this quote reveals the inner strength and resilience that drove her success, despite constant attempts to diminish her. She challenges the idea that gatekeepers have the final say, insisting that talent and determination are not always visible to those in power.
In today’s world—where criticism is often amplified through social media and public commentary—Monroe’s message remains profoundly relevant. It reminds us that belief in one’s purpose and potential must come from within, not from the shifting judgments of others. Her words inspire anyone who has been told to give up, encouraging them to persist, create, and thrive—even when no one else believes.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
