There is an iconic quote by Mother Teresa that has defied time. “Not all of us can do great things. But all of us can do small things with great love.”
This world often celebrates grandeur, wealth and headline-making achievements. Mother Teresa’s words ring with deep simplicity and profound truth: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” At first glance, the quote sounds gentle and almost obvious. Yet, hidden within it is a powerful philosophy of life – one that reshapes how we view success, service and the impact each of us can have on the world.
Human beings naturally aspire toward greatness. From childhood, people are taught to chase big dreams, break records, become influential, and accumulate accomplishments worthy of admiration. In the process, many feel pressured, overwhelmed, or even inadequate when their lives don’t mirror society’s towering expectations. But Mother Teresa, a woman who transformed millions of lives through acts of compassion, reminds us that greatness is not defined by the magnitude of our actions, but by the motivation behind them. Love – genuine, selfless and intentional – is what turns the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Small acts done with love have a ripple effect. A single kind word spoken to a discouraged student can revive confidence. A moment spent helping a neighbor can restore someone’s faith in humanity. A teacher who stays after class to guide a struggling learner may quietly alter that child’s future forever. These actions rarely make headlines, but they leave permanent marks on the hearts they touch. In homes, workplaces, schools, and communities, countless people are uplifted daily through gestures so small that the giver hardly notices their significance. Yet to the receiver, they can be life-changing.
Love changes the meaning of our actions. Washing dishes becomes a service to family; giving directions becomes an act of care; listening becomes a sacred gift. And when acts are fueled by love, they naturally multiply. People who experience kindness often pay it forward. A simple smile shared on a difficult day can be enough to shift someone’s mood, leading them to extend kindness to others. This chain reaction of goodness flows quietly yet powerfully across communities, slowly building a culture of compassion.
Mother Teresa’s message is also deeply democratic – it gives everyone a place in making the world better. Many people believe change is created only by politicians, wealthy philanthropists, or individuals with large platforms. Yet most of the world’s healing happens in everyday interactions: a nurse comforting a frightened patient, a parent encouraging a child, a student helping a classmate, a stranger offering a hand to someone struggling. These actions require no special qualifications, only a willing heart.
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It is also important to recognize that “great love” is not sentimental or passive. It is active and intentional. It means going beyond convenience and comfort. It means doing what is right even when it is unnoticed, unrewarded, or difficult. Great love shows up in patience with the elderly, in forgiveness when wronged, in advocacy for the vulnerable, and in consistency when enthusiasm fades. It is the courage to choose kindness in a world that often celebrates power. Great love demands humility, for it acknowledges that every human being is worthy of dignity.
In teaching and leadership – professions that shape lives daily – the principle of small acts done with great love is especially powerful. A teacher who praises effort, who calls home to celebrate improvement, or who offers a quiet word of reassurance may never know how much these small gestures influence a student’s self-belief. A leader who listens before speaking, who remembers names, who notices silent struggles, or who affirms others’ efforts builds an environment where people feel valued. These gestures form the backbone of healthy communities and institutions.
Modern society often measures success by visibility, numbers, and applause. But Mother Teresa invites us to measure success by love. Did we make someone feel seen? Did we lighten someone’s burden? Did we give our best in small responsibilities? Did we choose compassion where we could have chosen indifference? These questions help realign our sense of purpose. They remind us that true greatness is rooted in character, not spectacle.
In the end, very few people will build monuments, write bestselling books, or achieve global recognition. But every person will have opportunities – countless ones – to infuse love into their daily tasks and interactions. A life lived with such intention becomes rich and meaningful. It becomes a quiet legacy of kindness.
Mother Teresa’s life is a testimony that the world is changed not only by grand initiatives but by countless small acts of mercy: feeding one person at a time, comforting one person at a time, loving one person at a time. If each of us embraced this philosophy, the world would be infinitely softer, warmer, and more humane.
Thus, the call is simple yet profound: Do whatever lies before you with great love. You may never know how far your influence travels, but rest assured – even your smallest acts can light someone’s path. Mother Teresa was right: greatness is not found in size, but in the love we pour into everything we do.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-county and serves as Dean of Studies.
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