As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
Audrey HepburnRead
Somebody said to me the other day, 'You know, it's really senseless, what you're doing. There's always been suffering, there will always be suffering, and you're just prolonging the suffering of these children [by rescuing them].' My answer is, 'Okay, then, let's start with your grandchild. Don't buy antibiotics if it gets pneumonia. Don't take it to the hospital of it has an accident. It's against life-against humanity-to think that way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of taking action against suffering, regardless of its inevitability.
Audrey Hepburn addresses the idea that some may view efforts to alleviate suffering as futile due to its permanence in the world. She counters this perspective by highlighting the moral obligation to help others, arguing that neglecting to assist those in need is fundamentally against the principles of humanity. Hepburn's response underlines the significance of compassion and taking responsibility for the well-being of others, particularly the vulnerable, rather than resigning to despair.
Themes
SufferingCompassionHumanityActionHelp
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be powerful when advocating for humanitarian efforts in a speech.
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I speak for those children who cannot speak for themselves, children who have absolutely nothing but their courage and their smiles, their wits and their dreams.
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