“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”
- August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997
- Albanian
- Catholic nun and saint
- Founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in supporting the poor, sick, and orphans
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Quote
“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”
Explanation
Mother Teresa’s quote challenges the common understanding of poverty as merely the lack of material resources like food, shelter, or clothing. While these are certainly forms of deprivation, she suggests that the deepest form of poverty is the emotional and social isolation that comes from being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. This form of poverty is invisible and can affect anyone, regardless of their material wealth. It speaks to the human need for connection and belonging, which, when unmet, can be more painful than physical hunger or homelessness.
Mother Teresa’s work was a direct response to both the physical and emotional needs of those she served. Many of the people she cared for were not just physically poor, but emotionally neglected and isolated by society. She understood that love and human connection were essential for healing and well-being. She also emphasized that the solution to this kind of poverty starts at home, in our families, and with the people closest to us. By fostering love, care, and compassion within our own homes, we can begin to address this often-overlooked form of poverty.
In modern life, this quote invites us to reflect on the emotional well-being of those around us. Even in a world that is increasingly connected through technology, many people feel emotionally isolated or unseen. We are reminded that love and care are foundational to human dignity and that we must ensure those closest to us—whether family members, friends, or colleagues—feel valued and cared for. For example, taking the time to listen to a friend, offering support to a family member in need, or simply showing kindness to others in our communities can help address this deeper form of poverty and foster a world where no one feels unwanted or uncared for.
