“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”
- 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
“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”
Explanation
Mother Teresa’s quote speaks to the profound spiritual and emotional needs of humans. She suggests that while physical hunger—the need for sustenance like food—is a critical and pressing issue, it is often easier to address than the deeper, more intangible hunger for love. The hunger for love is a longing for connection, compassion, and care, and it affects the heart and soul, making it a more difficult need to fulfill. Love, in its most genuine form, is not just about offering affection but about offering dignity, respect, and emotional presence.
Mother Teresa’s life was dedicated to serving those who were suffering not only from physical hunger but also from loneliness and rejection. Many of the people she helped were not just poor in terms of food but were isolated and unloved by society. She believed that true healing came when people were shown love and care, not just physical provisions. Her mission was to provide both material aid and emotional support, showing that love was just as essential to life as bread.
In modern society, this quote reminds us that many people, especially the elderly, marginalized, or those struggling with mental health issues, experience a profound sense of emotional hunger. While we may be able to provide for their physical needs, it is often the lack of love and human connection that causes the greatest pain. Small acts of kindness, such as taking time to listen to someone, showing appreciation, or offering empathy, can help address this deeper hunger and provide the nourishment that many people crave.
