"Since the world has existed, there has been injustice. But it is one world, the more so as it becomes smaller, more accessible. There is just no question that there is more obligation that those who have should give to those who have nothing"

Audrey Hepburn’s words reflect a timeless observation about the persistence of injustice throughout human history. She acknowledges that inequality has always been part of the human condition, seemingly woven into the fabric of civilization itself. However, Hepburn’s statement also recognizes a profound transformation in the nature of the world: as technological advancements and globalization progress, the barriers that once separated people, whether physical, cultural, or ideological, are diminishing. The world, in effect, has become “smaller” and “more accessible,” making it increasingly difficult to ignore the realities faced by others, no matter how distant they might seem geographically.

This shrinking of the global community brings with it a heightened sense of shared responsibility. Hepburn suggests that increased awareness and connectedness elevate the moral duty of those living in relative comfort and abundance. Possession of resources, be they material wealth, education, or opportunity, creates a binding ethical imperative to assist those deprived of such privileges. The phrase “there is just no question” underscores the non-negotiable nature of this obligation; it is not a matter of debate or discretion but a basic tenet of human solidarity and compassion.

Embedded in Hepburn’s words is a call to action that transcends charity or occasional goodwill. She challenges the complacency that can arise from distance or ignorance, arguing that proximity is now virtual and instant. Suffering and need are continually visible, demanding a response not merely for ethical completeness but for the realization of a more just world. Hepburn’s message is fundamentally humanistic, urging those with abundance to share rather than hoard. Her sentiment is particularly relevant today, in an era marked by both unprecedented global wealth and persistent, deep-rooted inequality. The challenge she presents is ongoing: to recognize interdependence and to transform empathy and recognition into meaningful, sustained action.