Mae West, one of the most iconic figures in American entertainment history, was known for her wit, charm, and no-nonsense attitude. Her quotes continue to inspire, amuse, and provoke thought, making them timeless. In this article, we explore Mae West's quotes on various aspects of life through ten distinct themes. From love and success to humor and independence, each section offers a glimpse into Mae West's unique perspective, expressed in her signature style. Whether you're looking for inspiration or a good laugh, Mae West's words resonate universally, capturing the complexities of human experience with elegance and flair.
Love Quotes
"Love conquers all things except poverty and toothache."
"I believe in love and marriage, but not necessarily with the same person."
"A man can be short and dumpy and getting bald but if he has fire, women will like him."
"Love is an emotion experienced by the many and enjoyed by the few."
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
"When a girl goes wrong, men go right after her."
"It's not the men in my life that count, it's the life in my men."
"Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere."
"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it."
"Marriage is a great institution, but I'm not ready for an institution."
"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
"Save a boyfriend for a rainy day, and another, in case it doesn't rain."
Success Quotes
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
"I never said it would be easy, I said it would be worth it."
"I don't worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond."
"Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly."
"You have to live life to the fullest while you can."
"If a little is great, and a lot is better, then way too much is just about right!"
"I never loved another person the way I loved myself."
"I'd like to see Paris before I die… San Francisco will do."
"To err is human, but it feels divine."
"You can do what you want, but saving love comes with its burdens."
"Men are my hobby, if I ever got married I'd have to give it up."
"I'm single because I was born that way."
Life Quotes
"I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond."
"I live to invite trouble—it's the only kind that's fun."
"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
"When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before."
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
"I'm no model lady. A model's just an imitation of the real thing."
"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted."
"Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often."
"It is better to be looked over than overlooked."
"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better."
"Too many people with too much sense, suggest you try more nonsense."
"Don't cry for a man who's left you; the next one may fall for your smile."
Humor Quotes
"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before."
"I'm not good for anything except amusement."
"I'm no angel, but I've spread my wings a bit."
"I can resist everything except temptation."
"When women go wrong, men go right after them."
"It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean."
"A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up."
"I only have 'yes' days and 'no' nights."
"Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself."
"I'm an actress, not a saint."
"A man in the house is worth two in the street."
"You may keep the upstart in his place, but you will have to be the boss."
Empowerment Quotes
"I believe in acknowledging the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is."
"I'm no angel, but I've spread my wings a bit."
"A woman in love can't be reasonable – or she probably wouldn't be in love."
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
"I’m single because I was born that way."
"Sex is emotion in motion."
"I’m not good for anything except amusement."
"Women like a man with a past, but they prefer a man with a present."
"Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere."
"It is better to be looked over than overlooked."
"I am as pure as the driven slush."
"I speak two languages, Body and English."
Independence Quotes
"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
"It's better to be looked over than overlooked."
"Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere."
"I’ve been things and seen places."
"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted."
"I never said it would be easy, I said it would be worth it."
"He who hesitates is a damned fool."
"Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"
"There are no good girls gone wrong - just bad girls found out."
"Well-behaved women rarely make history."
"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better."
"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before."
Style Quotes
"I speak two languages, Body and English."
"A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up."
"To err is human, but it feels divine."
"I am as pure as the driven slush."
"Clothes are necessary things one has to wear in order to look dressed."
"Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"
"I never loved another person the way I loved myself."
"A man in the house is worth two in the street."
"Give a man a free hand and he'll run it all over you."
"I'm no angel, but I've spread my wings a bit."
"Love thy neighbor, and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier."
"Keep a diary, and someday it'll keep you."
Wisdom Quotes
"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
"Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere."
"When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before."
"I'm no model lady. A model's just an imitation of the real thing."
"I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond."
"Men are my hobby, if I ever got married I'd have to give it up."
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
"I'm not good for anything except amusement."
"Well-behaved women rarely make history."
"A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up."
"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun."
"You can do what you want, but saving love comes with its burdens."
Controversy Quotes
"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better."
"I'm single because I was born that way."
"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted."
"He who hesitates is a damned fool."
"Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly."
"I never said it would be easy, I said it would be worth it."
"To err is human, but it feels divine."
"I believe in acknowledging the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is."
"Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often."
"It's better to be looked over than overlooked."
"Weigh the pros and cons, stand your ground, and push forward."
"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it."
Feminism Quotes
"Women like a man with a past, but they prefer a man with a present."
"Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere."
"I speak two languages, Body and English."
"I'm an actress, not a saint."
"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before."
"A man can be short and dumpy and getting bald but if he has fire, women will like him."
"It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean."
"Well-behaved women rarely make history."
"I believe in acknowledging the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is."
"A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up."
"Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often."
"Life's pretty simple. Want something, get it."
Final words
Mae West's words transcend time with their sharp wit, deeper meanings, and joyful embrace of life. Her quotes serve as a mirror reflecting societal norms, gender expectations, and the human condition with a playful yet profound attitude. Whether it's on love, success, life, or independence, Mae West's perspective challenges us to rethink our preconceived notions and encourages us to live boldly and authentically. Her unapologetic stance and humor inspire women and men alike to explore life's possibilities beyond conventional limits. Embracing her legacy, we discover not only laughter but also the courage to be true to ourselves. Mae West's words continue to illuminate, entertain, and resonate, urging us to find joy and boldness in the everyday tapestry of life.
