“There is a moral obligation that those who have should give to those who don’t.”
- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“There is a moral obligation that those who have should give to those who don’t.”
Explanation
In this quote, Audrey Hepburn articulates a powerful and clear principle of ethical responsibility and social justice. Her assertion that there is a “moral obligation” highlights that generosity is not merely an act of kindness, but a duty for those who are in a position of privilege or abundance. The simplicity of the phrase masks its profound weight: she sees giving as a matter of conscience, not charity.
This belief was deeply informed by Hepburn’s own experiences of poverty, war, and recovery, particularly during her childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe. Later in life, as a global star with access to influence and resources, she chose to act on this principle through her humanitarian work with UNICEF. Her conviction that wealth and status come with responsibility was not rhetorical—it shaped her actions and legacy.
In today’s world of increasing inequality, Hepburn’s quote resonates as a call for shared humanity and compassionate action. It reminds individuals, institutions, and nations alike that prosperity should be a bridge, not a barrier. The idea that “those who have” must give—be it wealth, time, or attention—remains a foundational ethic for building a more just and empathetic world.
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