We often shift the blame for our circumstances onto other people; however, it is important to understand that you are just as accountable for it all, if not more. Katharine Hepburn, who had a hard run in the industry at first, did not blame her situation or the people around her. She instead took action and moved forward. Today’s quote from her book is all about understanding that you have the most control over your life; at the end of the day, it is all about changing your perspective.The quote of the day from Katharine Hepburn reads, “We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, and the teachers—but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you wanted to change, you’re the one who has got to change.”
What did Katharine Hepburn mean by this quote?
This quote from the iconic actress was published in her 1991 memoir, ‘Me: Stories of My Life,’ in which she opened up about how important it is to take accountability and blame for your own actions rather than blaming someone else for it all. The quote is a sharp critique of victim mentality and makes a case for total personal agency.
Katharine Hepburn’s words were a testament to how she lived her life unapologetically and on her terms. The star wanted to convey that rather than giving the blame to someone else for your misfortune, its best that you take control, find a solution and tread on with your path. (Instagram)
Hepburn’s words observe that society often trains us to look outside for excuses for situations, rather than to ourselves. It is always easier to point to strict parents, challenging siblings, or issues with schooling as the root cause of all our issues in life. Blame offers comfort because it absolves us of immediate guilt, but Hepburn calls this out as a trap. Instead, her words emphasize the importance of looking at the whole picture, from your point of view as well as from other people’s point of view.It is extremely important to understand that at the end of the day, you are the only person in full control of your life, not your parents, friends, family members, etc. Once you realize that you are at the front wheel of your life, it will make it a lot easier to understand that agency is required in life to take accountability for your actions. While past trauma or unfair circumstances may not be your fault, managing your present and future is entirely your responsibility.While your problems and circumstances in life may have originated from someplace else, it is on you to find a solution and make your life better for yourself down the road. Sitting down and waiting for the world or other people to change on your behalf is an invitation to failure.Hepburn relates to this quote herself, as she worked in a time and in an industry that did not respect women that much. However, she was best known for taking control of her life and for doing things her own way, taking accountability for her actions despite the fact that many situations were pitted against her from the get go. Rather than blaming the things around her, she got up and took action on her own and is now remembered as one of the most respected actresses in the Hollywood industry.
About Katharine Hepburn’s early life
Katharine Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907, in Hartford, Connecticut. She was one of six siblings and had humble beginnings in her life. From a young age, Hepburn was taught to follow her own path and to be fearless, which she later demonstrated in her life. As a child, the actress was also a big tomboy and was highly interested in playing golf. After dropping out of school following her brother Tom’s passing, Hepburn became quiet and only returned to complete her education after being accepted to Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania in 1924. It was here that her love for acting and the stage was cultivated after she started appearing in multiple school theater productions.
Katharine Hepburn’s entry into Hollywood
Hepburn was fired from multiple productions for multiple reasons; however, she did not let these setbacks define her. She is now remembered as one of the most beloved icons in Hollywood. (Instagram)
On the same day that she graduated from college, she met with Edwin H. Knopf, the owner of a stock theater company, who cast her in her first major production, ‘The Czarina.’ However, her stint in theater was filled with quite a few challenges, as the actress was fired from productions on multiple occasions. Her most popular theatre work was ‘Holiday,’ where she played her role for around 6 months.In 1932, her debut in the film industry with ‘A Bill of Divorcement’ was met with a lot of love and praise and made her an overnight sensation in Hollywood. This project was followed by many others, including ‘Christopher Strong,’ ‘Little Women,’ ‘Break of Hearts,’ ‘Morning Glory,’ ‘Spitfire,’ ‘The Little Minister,’ ‘Mary of Scotland,’ ‘Stage Door,’ ‘Sylvia Scarlett,’ and many others.After a few of her films flopped, Hepburn made her big comeback in the romantic drama film, ‘The Philadelphia Story.’ This was one of the most successful films of the time and earned her an Academy Award nomination. She followed this with films like ‘Woman of the Year’, ‘Undercurrent’, ‘Without Love’, ‘State of the Union’, ‘Keeper of the Flame’, ‘Adam’s Rib’, and many others.Over the years, Hepburn built a legacy in cinema. Dedicating more than 60 years of her life to the film industry, with 50+ acting credits, Hepburn is remembered for her on-screen prowess and for being her most unapologetic self.