Active Quote by Mother Teresa
“In the West we have a tendency to be profit-oriented, where everything is measured according to the results and we get caught up in being more and more active to generate results. In the East-especially in India-I find that people are more content to just be, to just sit around under a banyan tree for half a day chatting to each other. We Westerners would probably call that wasting time. But there is value to it. Being with someone, listening without a clock and without anticipation of results, teaches us about love. The success of love is in the loving-it is not in the result of loving.”
About This Quote
Spending unhurried time with others fosters love, beyond measurable outcomes.
In simple terms: Being present with others builds love, not results.
Value time spent listening without expectations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- friendship
- family gatherings
- meditation sessions
- cultural exchanges
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies honor both productivity and mindful presence?
- What practices encourage non‑goal‑oriented connection?
Western focus on productivity may undervalue contemplative practices.