Quote of the day by Mother Teresa: ‘I find the rich much poorer, as sometimes they are lonelier inside. The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread’ - lessons on the true meaning of wealth from celebrated Catholic saint

In a world that often measures success by wealth, status, and material possessions, the importance of compassion and human connection can be overlooked. Yet, some of the deepest struggles people face are not financial but emotional — feelings of loneliness, isolation and being unloved. Mother Teresa, also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, frequently spoke about this hidden form of suffering, reminding people that kindness, empathy and genuine care for others have the power to heal wounds that money cannot. Her words continue to inspire a more compassionate and connected way of living.

Quote of the day by Mother Teresa

One of the most powerful quotes by Mother Teresa is, ‘I find the rich much poorer, as sometimes they are lonelier inside. The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread’. She said these thought-provoking lines during a 1989 interview with Time Magazine in Kolkata.

Deeper meaning of Mother Teresa’s quote

Mother Teresa’s quote of the day challenges the common belief that wealth is measured solely by money or material possessions. Through her words, she highlights a deeper form of poverty—loneliness, isolation and the absence of love. A person may have financial security, comfort and success, yet still feel emotionally empty if they lack meaningful relationships and a genuine human connection. The quote reminds us that true wealth lies not in what we own, but in the love we give and receive, the compassion we show, and the bonds we build with others. In the end, emotional fulfilment is often far more valuable than material abundance.

Modern relevance of Mother Teresa’s quote

Quote of the day by Mother Teresa remains deeply relevant in today's fast-paced, digitally connected world. While technology has made communication easier than ever, many people continue to struggle with loneliness, emotional isolation and a lack of meaningful relationships. Social status, wealth and professional success may create an appearance of fulfilment, but they cannot replace genuine human connection and a sense of belonging. Her words serve as a reminder that emotional well-being is just as important as material comfort. In an age where many feel disconnected despite being constantly online, the quote encourages greater compassion, empathy and care for those around us.

More about Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, one of the most influential humanitarian figures of the 20th century, dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick and vulnerable. Revered across the world for her compassion and selfless service, she became a symbol of kindness and charity, particularly through her work in India. Born as Anjezë (Agnes) Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje—then a part of the Ottoman Empire—she belonged to a Kosovar Albanian family and was raised in a devout Catholic household. From an early age, she developed a strong interest in religious life and was inspired by stories of missionaries working in distant countries.

At the age of 18, Mother Teresa made the difficult decision to leave her family and pursue her religious calling. She travelled to Ireland in 1928 and joined the Sisters of Loreto at Loreto Abbey in Rathfarnham. There, she began preparing for missionary work and learned English, the language used by the congregation's missions in India. Shortly after, she moved to India, a country that would become the centre of her life's work. Over time, she devoted herself to helping those living in poverty and caring for society's most neglected communities.

In 1950, Mother Teresa established the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation focused on serving the poor, the sick and the destitute. What started as a small initiative eventually grew into a global organisation. The Missionaries of Charity expanded to more than 130 countries, operating orphanages, soup kitchens, shelters and care homes for people affected by illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and leprosy

Mother Teresa’s humanitarian efforts earned her worldwide recognition, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of her contribution to humanity. Years after her death, the Catholic Church formally recognised her legacy. On September 4, 2016, she was canonised by Pope Francis and given the title Saint Teresa of Calcutta, cementing her place as one of the most respected religious and charitable figures in modern history.