A quote by Saint Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to those who suffer
After witnessing firsthand the poverty and suffering of the sick in the areas she visited as a nun, Mother Teresa chose the path of a humanitarian aid activist.
Her work resonated around the world, and she received numerous honors, including the Templeton Prize, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the Bharat Ratna.
Here, we introduce a selection of memorable quotes left by Mother Teresa, who was even called a saint.
From globally minded words that point the way to world peace to sayings that remind us of the precious people right in front of us, there’s much to reflect on—so be sure to check them out!
Quotes (1–10) by Saint Mother Teresa, a saint who devoted her life to people in suffering
Peace begins with a smile.Mother Teresa
This phrase carries the message that a “smile” is essential for building peace.
A smile is also an important form of communication in daily life, a way to convey warmth and kindness.
By sharing smiles, we draw closer at heart, fostering mutual understanding and empathy.
Smiling also helps us feel more positive ourselves.
When you feel stressed, try remembering this phrase.
Let’s not forget the message that smiles are born from small acts of kindness by each person, and strive to spend our days with a smile.
You can just be yourself.Mother Teresa
When you’re feeling down, it’s natural to get caught up in questions like who you are and what you’re living for.
These words gently lighten those heavy thoughts about your purpose and worth—questions that are hard to answer.
Above all, what matters first is simply being yourself, and they encourage you to live without losing your sense of self.
They also suggest that treating yourself with care leads to caring for others as well.
To love rather than to be loved. To understand rather than to be understood.Mother Teresa
As we go about our days interacting with others, the desire to be known and understood naturally grows stronger.
These words remind us that, more than seeking to be understood ourselves, what truly matters is choosing to understand and love the other person.
By valuing the other’s perspective and refraining from imposing ourselves, we show respect—and when both sides do this, it creates a peaceful relationship.
It’s a quote worth recalling especially when we find ourselves acting self-centered, as it brings us back to the importance of staying close and empathetic.
When you are busy criticizing people, you have no time to love them.Mother Teresa
In Mother Teresa’s words lies the idea that if we spend our energy on criticism and judgment, we lose the ability to do what truly matters: to love.
When we’re busy picking apart others’ faults and actions, we can’t use that time to support or help them.
Instead of criticizing, Mother Teresa teaches us to find the good in people and lift them up.
By making time for love and treating others with care, we ourselves can become happier.
Let’s keep this message in our hearts and live positively.
It’s not about how well you did the job, but how much heart you put into it.Mother Teresa
When everyone becomes fixated on what results they can produce, their attention can shift too much toward the outcome and their awareness of the process can fade.
These words convey that it is precisely the gradual loss of thoughtful engagement in the process that is crucial when facing any endeavor.
It emphasizes that putting your heart into your efforts with sincerity is more important than the results themselves, and it urges you to reflect carefully on whether you invested genuine care.
Perhaps tackling everything earnestly is what ultimately leads to true satisfaction with the outcome.
In this world, the hunger for love and gratitude is greater than the hunger for food.Mother Teresa
Hunger is a major issue faced by many countries around the world and can be seen as a cause that hinders peace.
These words tell us that hunger is not only about food, but also occurs in what is most important to people—love.
If the world lacks love and gratitude, peace will never come, and the shortage of a spirit willing to share with others may even lead to hunger for food.
It makes us reflect on this.
Perhaps, first cultivating deep feelings of love and gratitude is essential if we are to move toward peace.
What can we do for world peace? Go home and love your family.Mother Teresa
World peace often carries the image of being a huge, difficult goal, and it may be hard to even imagine how it could be achieved.
These are gentle yet powerful words that speak to what each of us should do to move toward peace in the world.
They tell us that loving our family is the first step toward world peace, and that we should start with what’s close to us and spread peace outward from there.
It reminds us that rather than only aiming for grand goals, it’s important to first turn our attention to those around us.
Do not wait for someone to lead you. You are the one who will lead others.Mother Teresa
As we go about our daily lives, the feeling of wanting to rely on someone is an emotion everyone carries in their heart.
These words tell us that instead of remaining in the position of depending on others for guidance, it’s important to become the one who leads.
They convey the importance of having a clear goal and a strong will to move toward it, and they suggest that taking action with that resolve can lead to significant results.
They also teach us that unless we act instead of waiting, our situation will not change.
Rather than complain about the darkness, take the initiative and turn on the light.Mother Teresa
This is a famous saying that conveys the message that it’s important to take proactive action when facing problems or difficulties.
Rather than simply complaining or grumbling, it emphasizes the importance of actively seeking positive solutions.
For example, if you feel the atmosphere at work is negative, instead of trading complaints, you might brighten the mood by initiating friendly conversations with a smile or proposing good ideas to the team.
Keep this saying in mind, and when you face challenges, remember that you have the power to create change.
God doesn’t want us to succeed; He just wants us to try.Mother Teresa
As you keep taking on challenges, you’re bound to face difficulties, and some people may suffer and have their spirits broken.
These words tell us that the very fact you’re confronting those walls is more valuable than the success you might gain beyond them.
There is always something to learn in the midst of a challenge, and it’s that steady accumulation that, it says, is what God asks of us.
If you can remember these words when things are tough, they might help you change the way you face obstacles and hardships.