Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Shreya Biswas

Quote of the day by Audrey Hepburn: 'Since the world has existed, there has been injustice. But it is one world, the more so as it becomes...' - life lessons on compassion, social service and why helping others is human responsibility by Charade and Wait Until Dark actress

Quote of the day by Audrey Hepburn : Inequality and suffering have existed throughout human history, but in today’s connected world, people are more aware than ever of the struggles others face. News, technology, and social media constantly expose the differences between those who have security, wealth, and opportunity and those who live without basic necessities. While modern life has created progress in many areas, it has also highlighted how deeply unequal the world can still be. In many societies, millions continue to face poverty, hunger, displacement, and limited access to healthcare or education. At the same time, there are individuals and communities with resources, influence, and privilege far beyond what others may ever experience. These differences often raise difficult questions about responsibility, compassion, and what people owe to one another as members of the same global society. As conversations around inequality and humanitarian support continue worldwide, many people still look toward voices that encourage empathy, generosity, and shared responsibility.

Quote of the Day Today: Audrey Hepburn on Compassion and Helping Others

Audrey Hepburn said, “ Since the world has existed, there has been injustice. But it is one world, the more so as it becomes smaller, more accessible. There is just no question that there is more obligation that those who have should give to those who have nothing ,” as per BrainyQuote.

Meaning Behind Audrey Hepburn’s Quote Explained

This quote by Audrey Hepburn focuses on injustice, human responsibility, and the moral importance of helping others. Hepburn begins by acknowledging a difficult reality: inequality and unfairness have always existed throughout history. Human societies have long been shaped by differences in wealth, opportunity, power, and access to resources. However, the quote does not simply focus on the existence of injustice. Instead, it emphasizes how people respond to it.

When Hepburn says the world has become “smaller” and “more accessible,” she refers to the growing connection between people across countries and cultures. Modern communication, travel, and technology allow people to witness suffering and hardship in ways previous generations could not. Because people are now more aware of global struggles, Hepburn suggests that ignoring the pain of others becomes harder to justify.

READ ALSO: Quote of the day by Hugh Jackman: 'Meditation is all about the pursuit of nothingness. It's like the ultimate rest. It's better than the...' - life lessons on meditation, mental peace and mindfulness by X-Men, Deadpool & Wolverine and The Greatest Showman actor

Quote of the day May 22: Lessons to Learn From Audrey Hepburn’s Quote

One of the most important ideas in the quote is obligation. Hepburn argues that people who have wealth, privilege, security, or opportunity carry a responsibility toward those who have less. This does not apply only to money. It can also include kindness, support, education, influence, or the ability to create positive change. The quote suggests that compassion should not be treated as optional but as part of shared humanity.

The quote also challenges extreme individualism. In many modern societies, success is often viewed as entirely personal, leading people to focus mainly on their own goals and achievements. Hepburn’s words remind people that human lives are connected. The well-being of one group cannot be completely separated from the suffering of another.

READ ALSO: Quote of the day by Harrison Ford: 'What's important is to be able to see yourself, I think, as having commonality with other...' - life lessons on humanity, equality, why fame and success should'nt change how you treat people by The Fugitive and Air Force One actor

Why Audrey Hepburn’s Words Still Feel Relevant Today

The message remains powerful because inequality continues to affect millions of people around the world. Poverty, hunger, war, displacement, and lack of opportunity still shape many lives. Hepburn’s quote encourages people to think beyond personal comfort and consider how empathy and generosity can help create a more compassionate society.

Who Was Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn was an acclaimed actress and humanitarian known for films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady. Beyond her film career, she became widely respected for her humanitarian work with UNICEF, helping raise awareness about children facing poverty, hunger, and crisis in different parts of the world.

READ ALSO: Quote of the day by Ingrid Bergman: 'Happiness is good health and a...' - inspiring lessons on happiness, health, inner peace and letting go of the past by Oscar-winning actress of Gaslight (1944), Anastasia (1956) and Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Inspiring Quotes by Audrey Hepburn

Here are a few more quotes by Audrey Hepburn.

  • "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!," as per BrainyQuote.
  • "The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years," as per BrainyQuote.
  • "Water is life, and clean water means health," as per BrainyQuote.
  • "If my world were to cave in tomorrow, I would look back on all the pleasures, excitements and worthwhilenesses I have been lucky enough to have had. Not the sadness, not my miscarriages or my father leaving home, but the joy of everything else. It will have been enough," as per BrainyQuote.
  • "Actually, you have to be a little bit in love with your leading man and vice versa. If you're going to portray love, you have to feel it. You can't do it any other way. But you don't carry it beyond the set," as per BrainyQuote.
READ ALSO: Quote of the day by Anna Kendrick: 'People don't have to do things by half measures because they aren't getting...' - life lessons on passion, hard work, effort and how to stay motivated without rewards by Pitch Perfect and Up in the Air actress
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.