“One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody.”
- 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
“One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mother Teresa highlights the destructive impact of loneliness and isolation. She suggests that being completely alone or feeling unimportant to anyone can be a profound form of suffering. Human connection is essential to our well-being, and to be “nobody” to anybody is to experience a sense of invisibility or rejection, which can lead to emotional and psychological distress. For Mother Teresa, true fulfillment and peace come from being seen, valued, and loved by others.
Mother Teresa’s experiences working with the poor, sick, and dying in Kolkata exposed her to individuals who were often abandoned or forgotten by society. She viewed these individuals not as burdens but as human beings worthy of dignity and respect. Her work was dedicated to showing these people that they were somebody—they had value, they mattered, and they were loved. For her, even a simple act of kindness could restore a person’s sense of self-worth.
In today’s world, the feeling of being nobody to anybody can still be a major issue, especially in a society that often prioritizes individual success over community. Whether it’s the elderly, those living in poverty, or people struggling with mental health, many experience a sense of invisibility or neglect. This quote calls us to reach out and connect with others, to offer recognition and compassion, so that everyone feels valued and seen. Small acts, like listening to someone or offering a word of encouragement, can make a world of difference to someone who feels alone or overlooked.
