“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
- 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
“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
Explanation
Mother Teresa’s quote brings attention to the emotional poverty that can be just as devastating as, or even more than, physical deprivation. While hunger and lack of basic necessities like food and shelter are serious and pressing issues, the deep emotional pain of feeling unwanted, unloved, and forgotten can lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation. For Mother Teresa, the absence of love and care is a form of poverty that touches the soul, and it is often far more difficult to address than physical hunger.
Her life’s work was dedicated to providing not only material care but also emotional support to those who were most vulnerable, particularly the poor, sick, and dying. She understood that a person’s emotional needs—feeling seen, valued, and cared for—are just as crucial to their well-being as the food and shelter they require. By giving love and attention to those who felt forgotten by society, she was addressing a deeper hunger that many people carry within them.
In modern society, this quote serves as a poignant reminder that the emotional well-being of individuals is just as important as meeting their physical needs. Many people, whether elderly, homeless, or isolated, suffer from feelings of loneliness and neglect. Offering a listening ear, a simple gesture of kindness, or just spending time with someone can help to fill this emotional hunger and make a significant difference in their lives. For example, reaching out to a lonely neighbor, checking in on someone going through a tough time, or offering compassion to those who are marginalized can help alleviate this deeper form of poverty and foster a sense of belonging and dignity.
