If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.

The line captures Hepburn’s public persona—independent, skeptical of convention, and willing to risk social disapproval for authenticity. Taken literally, it argues that strict compliance with rules can drain spontaneity and joy from life; more broadly, it champions creative deviation as a condition of vitality. The “rules” can be read as social etiquette, gender expectations, or institutional constraints, while “fun” stands for lived experience, experimentation, and self-determination. The quote’s enduring appeal lies in its concise defense of nonconformity: it suggests that meaningful living often requires selective rule-breaking and the courage to prioritize personal freedom over external approval.