“It’s that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so ‘don’t fuss, dear; get on with it.'”
- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“It’s that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so ‘don’t fuss, dear; get on with it.'”
Explanation
This quote reflects Audrey Hepburn’s deep-rooted values of selflessness, humility, and duty, instilled in her during a childhood shaped by war and hardship. The phrase “others come first and you come second” expresses an ethic of service and emotional maturity—a worldview that prioritizes the well-being of others above personal comfort or recognition. Hepburn does not romanticize this stance but regards it as a practical and dignified approach to life.
The line “don’t fuss, dear; get on with it” captures the understated resilience that defined her character both on and off screen. It speaks to a kind of quiet strength—handling adversity with grace, without complaint or self-pity. This perspective was not only central to her personal life but also to her later humanitarian efforts, where she consistently placed the needs of suffering children ahead of her own celebrity status or convenience.
In a modern culture often focused on self-promotion and individual achievement, Hepburn’s words stand as a reminder of the virtue in putting others before oneself. They challenge us to consider empathy not as weakness but as a disciplined, everyday act of courage. Her legacy encourages us to live not just for ourselves, but for the good we can do for others—quietly, consistently, and with heart.
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