Most people know Audrey Hepburn for her works in classic films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “Sabrina”, and “My Fair Lady”. Born in Belgium, Audrey spent most of her childhood in Belgium, England, and the Netherlands studying ballet. Audrey shot to stardom after landing a role in the Broadway play “Gigi”, which led to her first substantial film role in “Roman Holiday”. Audrey Hepburn received many awards throughout her career, and is still one of the few stars to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. While her work in Hollywood is infamous, after age 40, Audrey appeared in fewer films and began working heavily with UNICEF. For the rest of her life, she worked in poor, developing areas of Africa, South America, and Asia. Audrey Hepburn proved that gorgeous women can be powerful and intellectual, which was particularly unique during the 1950’s to 1970’s. In addition to her career and humanitarian accomplishments, Audrey Hepburn spoke English, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and German. Such a diverse and skilled woman truly lived her life in a way all of us can learn from. The following 15 quotes from Audrey Hepburn are sure to rouse you to be the best you can be.
1. Live Your Life
“The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.”
In a world full of greed and power-hungry public figures, it’s refreshing to be reminded that life is simply meant to be lived.
2. Don’t Forget About Others
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
This poignant way of looking at ourselves reminds us that somewhere out there someone else has it worse off than you. However, this quote also speaks to how important it is to take care of yourself in order to be in a position to help others.
3. Solitude Can Be Healthy
“I have to be alone very often. I’d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That’s how I refuel.”
It’s rare to hear famous figures express the benefit of stepping away from attention. Though all of us want to achieve our goals in life and at work, everyone functions better when we’re properly rested and approaching life in a balanced way.
4. Actions Define Us
“You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.”
This succinct summary of how to approach other people is an elegant reminder that actions speak louder than words.
5. The Journey Is What Matters
“Success is like reaching an important birthday and finding you’re exactly the same.”
Much like focusing on enjoying our life, this brilliant quote about success highlights the importance of enjoying the journey rather than obsessing over your destination.
6. Too Much Attention Can Be Bad
“There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl’s complexion.”
Audrey was one of the few stars to approach their public life with a balanced perspective. This lovely quote reminds all of us that attention is temporary. Moreover, no one should sell out their character in order to seek approval.
7. Be Selfless
“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.’”
Increasingly, today’s world of social media drives us to be concerned with ourselves more than ever. This energizing quote reminds us that sometimes it is sincerely more important to consider the greater good.
8. Happiness Is Simple
“I heard a definition once: Happiness is health and a short memory! I wish I’d invented it, because it is very true.”
Similarly, this wonderful definition of happiness reminds us to appreciate the great things in our lives while we have them.
9. We’re All The Same Inside
“I’m half-Irish, half-Dutch, and I was born in Belgium. If I was a dog, I’d be in a hell of a mess!”
In the era Audrey Hepburn lived, racism was largely acceptable, mainly institutionalized, and even falsely propped up by erroneous “science”. From someone perceived to be from one race, such a bold statement that each of us is simply a mix of humanity is truly a stirring approach to what can be an ugly, judgemental subject.
10. Appreciate The Moment
“Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering – because you can’t take it in all at once.”
This beautiful metaphor is another impressive way to think about our life’s journey. Especially in a world where we take pictures first and experience second, this electrifying reminder to live in the moment is one we should all remember more often.
11. Value Your Voice
“Why change? Everyone has his own style. When you have found it, you should stick to it.”
This motivating quote illustrates why you should celebrate your unique qualities. Each person has their own voice, and Audrey Hepburn understood that sticking to this inner compass is what really makes life work for you.
12. Seize Each Opportunity
“I’ve been lucky. Opportunities don’t often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.”
Another impassioned approach to life, each of us should be unafraid to go after the things we want.
13. Never Give Up On Someone
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”
A powerful view of forgiveness, this encouraging reminder to treat people kindly and with understanding is more applicable today than ever.
14. Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself
“I don’t take my life seriously, but I do take what I do – in my life – seriously.”
Another impressive reminder to enjoy life without becoming overly stressed out, this quote illustrates the difference between taking your goals seriously and becoming too critical of ourselves.
15. Aim High
“I tried always to do better: saw always a little further. I tried to stretch myself.”
Ultimately, the path to success requires each of us to work harder and push further each and every day. If Audrey Hepburn’s life is any indication, there really is no limit to what you can achieve.
