“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”
- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”
Explanation
In this deeply compassionate quote, Audrey Hepburn expresses her belief in the inherent value and dignity of every human being, especially those who are hurting, broken, or lost. By using a series of restorative verbs—“restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed”—she emphasizes that people, like cherished objects, can be healed and made whole again, regardless of their past or present condition. It is a call for patience, empathy, and hope in how we treat one another.
Her final instruction—“never throw out anyone”—is a powerful moral stance against judgment, disposability, and abandonment. Hepburn, having endured war, loss, and the emotional costs of fame, likely saw firsthand how quickly people are discarded or overlooked when they no longer meet certain standards. Her quote reflects a belief that everyone deserves a second chance, and that no one is beyond the reach of compassion.
In a world where cancel culture, division, and disposability often dominate discourse, Hepburn’s words are a reminder to practice radical kindness and unconditional humanity. She invites us to see others not as problems to discard, but as people to uplift and restore. It is a philosophy that honors the depth, fragility, and potential in every person, affirming that true beauty lies in our ability to care.
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