“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
Explanation
This quote from Audrey Hepburn beautifully expresses the balance between self-care and service to others, a principle that guided both her personal life and humanitarian work. The metaphor of having “two hands” illustrates that a complete, responsible life involves both supporting oneself with strength and independence and reaching out to lift others in need. It suggests that maturity brings the realization that compassion and capability must go hand in hand.
The quote reflects Hepburn’s own evolution—from a war survivor who had to care for herself and her family, to a globally admired actress, and eventually to a UNICEF ambassador dedicated to helping vulnerable children around the world. Her life embodied this dual commitment—she cultivated her own resilience and success, then devoted her influence to advocating for others who could not help themselves.
In modern times, the quote resonates deeply as a guide for ethical living. In a culture that often swings between self-indulgence and self-sacrifice, Hepburn offers a measured, human-centered philosophy: take care of yourself not as an end, but as a means to be strong enough to help others. Her message encourages a kind of active empathy—rooted not in guilt or obligation, but in shared humanity and balance.
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