“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
- 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
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mother Teresa speaks to the root cause of conflict and lack of peace in the world: the failure to recognize our interconnectedness as human beings. When we forget that we are all part of a shared human family—that we all belong to each other—we begin to see others as separate, distant, or even as obstacles to our own happiness. This sense of division breeds misunderstanding, hostility, and a lack of empathy, which in turn disrupts peace both within ourselves and in the broader world. Mother Teresa reminds us that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of mutual respect, care, and unity.
Mother Teresa’s work with the poor and the suffering was a powerful expression of her belief in human solidarity. She viewed every person, regardless of their circumstances, as someone she was deeply connected to, deserving of dignity, love, and care. By seeing others as family, she was able to offer them not just material aid, but emotional and spiritual comfort. Her entire life’s mission was an embodiment of the idea that true peace comes from living in harmony and recognizing that each person’s well-being is linked to that of others.
In today’s world, this quote serves as a call to action. Whether in our communities, workplaces, or global relationships, the recognition that we are all connected can help heal divisions and foster peace. For example, in a time of political or social unrest, reaching out to understand someone with a different perspective or standing in solidarity with those who are suffering can create a ripple effect of peace. When we actively work to build unity, understanding, and compassion, we contribute to a world where peace can flourish.
