Skip to content

Love 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…” quote by Mother Teresa
Download Open image
““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 wihtout 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. These words, taken from the book A Simple Path, are the words of one of the Missionaries of Charity Sisters, not of Mother Teresa. ””

Mother Teresa

About This Quote

Source Book: A Simple Path, 2015

Contrasts Western productivity focus with Eastern contemplative practices, highlighting love’s value beyond results.

In simple terms: Being present and listening teaches love, not achievement.

Key Takeaway

Practice mindful presence without expecting outcomes.

Themes

culture mindfulness love productivity values

Mood

reflective contemplative

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • personal retreats
  • community gatherings
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

Eastern philosophy Western work ethic spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “wasting time” teach us?
  • How can we balance action and stillness?
A Different Perspective

Western focus on results may undervalue relational depth.

3.1 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Mother Teresa

Explore all 951 Mother Teresa quotes

More Love quotes

Browse all 233,035 Love quotes