“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
- 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
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mother Teresa speaks to the humble yet powerful impact of even the smallest actions. Often, when we contribute to a cause or help others, it may feel insignificant, like a mere drop in the ocean. We may wonder if our efforts can truly make a difference in the vastness of the world’s problems. However, Mother Teresa reminds us that every small act of love, care, or service matters. Without each individual contribution, the whole is less. Just as the ocean would be incomplete without each drop, the world is missing something when we do not offer our small part.
Mother Teresa lived by this philosophy throughout her life, dedicating herself to helping the poor and the sick, even when the challenges seemed overwhelming. She understood that no act of kindness, no matter how small, was ever wasted. Every gesture of love contributed to the greater good, and each drop of effort helped to create a more compassionate and hopeful world. Her message was that even though we may feel our impact is small, together, our collective efforts can change the world.
In today’s world, this quote encourages us to not be discouraged by the magnitude of problems we face. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering, or simply showing kindness, we are reminded that every action counts. For example, supporting a local food bank, giving time to a charity, or offering a kind word to someone in need might seem small, but collectively, these efforts can have a profound impact on our communities. Each individual contribution creates a ripple effect, making the ocean of good just a little bit larger.
