“What I really want to say: That what the world really needs is a real feeling of kinship. Everybody: stars, laborers, Negroes, Jews, Arabs. We are all brothers.”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“What I really want to say: That what the world really needs is a real feeling of kinship. Everybody: stars, laborers, Negroes, Jews, Arabs. We are all brothers.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Marilyn Monroe’s heartfelt belief in human unity and empathy, transcending race, class, profession, and fame. Her call for a “real feeling of kinship” goes beyond abstract ideals of tolerance or equality—it’s about cultivating a deep, emotional connection between all people, grounded in the recognition of shared humanity. In explicitly listing different groups, including marginalized and often divided communities, Monroe makes a powerful statement about universal brotherhood.
Monroe, though best known for her beauty and celebrity, was also a thoughtful observer of the world. In the 1950s and early 1960s, the world was undergoing immense social upheaval—the civil rights movement, decolonization, Cold War tensions—and her quote stands out as a plea for compassion amid division. That she includes both “stars” and “laborers” reflects her awareness of the deep societal divides, even in her own world of fame.
In today’s fractured global landscape, her words still resonate. They serve as a reminder that true progress depends on empathy and solidarity, not just policy or rhetoric. Monroe’s quote is an earnest appeal for a more connected, humane world—one where identity doesn’t divide us, but reminds us of our shared belonging. It is both a personal hope and a timeless moral vision.
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