Real quotes attributed to the wrong people...

Not every “faux” quote was born on the Internet. These two wonderful quotes do have verifiable sources but are frequently attributed erroneously.

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found the name “Marilyn Monroe” at the bottom of this quote. It was actually said by feminist and historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in the 1970s (after Marilyn had died). Since then, Ulrich has given several lectures explaining the larger, complex ideas behind her famous statement and the implications those ideas hold for contemporary society.

I think we can agree that history has been shaped by people who were (in any time period) willing to step beyond the boundaries drawn by “normalcy” and “propriety.” The Feminist Movement may have been impossible without those who questioned women’s given “place” in a society. When Ulrich coined her famous phrase, she may have indeed had Marilyn Monroe in mind. Who knows? One could argue very strongly that Marilyn helped shape the course of feminism—perhaps without even realizing it. She lived her life in a way that said to all people (men and women), “sexuality is natural, it’s fun, and it’s innocent.” Interestingly, by not thinking too hard about sex herself, she altered the way hundreds of others viewed it. In her time, Marilyn Monroe was frequently deemed “vulgar.” Today, many hold her as a shining example of the liberated woman.

What irritates me most regarding this quote in its attribution to the late actress is the way in which people hold it as proof that Marilyn Monroe sought scandal. They view her as the original Hollywood “bad girl.” But they forget that “bad” in the 1950s was a far cry from “bad” in 2012.

Marilyn Monroe was and will always be Marilyn Monroe—one individual. Because our culture has changed, though, so has she. This may have been what Laurel Thatcher Ulrich was getting at. So, I can see why Marilyn is associated with this quote, but she definitely did not say it.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

This quote is an excerpt from Sam Levenson’s poem, “Time-Tested Beauty Tips.” While this poem was one of Audrey Hepburn’s favorites, she did not write it. When you read the entire poem, you’ll recognize several “Audrey” quotes weaved into it.