“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible 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
Quote
“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.”
Explanation
Mother Teresa highlights a profound form of poverty that goes beyond material deprivation: the poverty of loneliness and rejection. While physical hunger or homelessness are visible signs of poverty, the emotional and psychological suffering that comes from feeling unwanted or invisible can be far more devastating. People who experience loneliness often feel disconnected, unimportant, and neglected. This emotional hunger can lead to deep feelings of worthlessness, and for many, it is more painful than physical poverty. Mother Teresa’s words call attention to the fact that love, connection, and belonging are fundamental human needs, and without them, people can experience the greatest form of poverty.
Mother Teresa worked extensively with the poor, but she also recognized that many of those who were well off in terms of material wealth still suffered from the poverty of isolation. She believed that loving others and showing care was the remedy to this inner poverty. For her, reaching out to those who were emotionally destitute—those who felt unwanted or forgotten—was just as important as providing for their physical needs.
In today’s world, this quote is a poignant reminder that emotional well-being is as critical as physical health. In a society that is increasingly disconnected due to technology or busy lifestyles, many individuals still feel isolated and unseen. Whether it’s through checking in on elderly neighbors, offering a listening ear, or simply being present with someone who feels lonely, we can help combat this form of poverty. Small, compassionate acts can go a long way in making someone feel valued and loved, reminding them that they are not alone in the world.
