If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote inspires us to not be overwhelmed by the enormity of a task, instead focusing on taking small steps that can make a difference. In a world where it's easy to feel powerless in the face of large-scale problems, such as poverty, hunger, or inequality, it is important to recognize the value of individual actions. By concentrating on what we can do, no matter how small, we can contribute to positive change. This quote encourages us to empathize with those in need, and to remember that every little act of kindness, such as feeding a single person, can have a profound impact on their life. By breaking down large tasks into manageable, tangible actions, we can foster a greater sense of purpose, and empower ourselves to create lasting, meaningful change.
Who said the quote?
The quote "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one" was said by Mother Theresa (Bio / Quotes). Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and disadvantaged.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
Historical Example: Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity - Few lives embody the essence of this quote as profoundly as Mother Teresa and her work among the destitute and dying in Calcutta, India.
Born in 1910 in Skopje, now North Macedonia, Mother Teresa felt a call to serve God at a young age. By 1948, she was working in India where she was deeply moved by the plight of the poor, especially those who were homeless or suffering from terminal illnesses.
In a society where the vastness of poverty could be overwhelming and paralyzing, Mother Teresa started her mission with simple acts. She began by opening a hospice for the dying in a donated space in Calcutta. She also started an open-air school for slum children. Instead of being deterred by the scale of destitution around her, she focused on helping one person at a time. In her words, "What we do is nothing but a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something."
Mother Teresa’s dedication soon attracted others, and the Missionaries of Charity was born. Over the decades, her small group expanded globally, with thousands of nuns joining her cause, establishing schools, hospices, orphanages, and clinics worldwide.
In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. Yet, despite the global recognition, her approach remained grounded in individual care. She believed in the power of small acts of kindness and compassion, and that by helping just one person, you could make a profound difference.
Mother Teresa’s life and work epitomize the quote's essence. She demonstrated that while the challenges of the world might be vast, the power of individual acts of kindness and charity should never be underestimated. Whether it's feeding a single person, tending to the wounds of one individual, or offering solace to someone in pain, these acts ripple outwards, creating wider waves of compassion and change.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Imagine Carla, a young woman who recently moved to a bustling city for her new job. Every day on her way to work, she passes by a park where she often sees homeless individuals. The sight troubles her deeply, and she wishes she could do something significant to help.
One evening, she attends a community meeting where a local organization discusses plans to set up a large shelter for the homeless, aiming to provide meals and shelter for hundreds. While Carla is eager to help, she doesn't have the financial means to make a substantial donation, and the scale of the problem feels overwhelming.
However, the next morning, inspired by a conversation she recalls from the meeting, Carla decides to take a small step. She buys an extra sandwich and a coffee during her breakfast run and gives it to an elderly homeless man she often sees in the park. The gratitude in his eyes is unmistakable.
This becomes a daily ritual for Carla. She realizes that even if she can't make a large-scale impact, she can make a difference in one person's day. Over time, her consistent acts of kindness inspire her colleagues and friends. They start joining her in her daily gesture, and soon, what began as a single sandwich multiplies into several meals distributed every day.
In this narrative, Carla embodies the essence of the quote. While she initially felt powerless due to the scale of the problem, she recognized the value of small, consistent acts of kindness. By choosing to feed just one person, she not only made a direct impact but also set a ripple effect in motion, inspiring others to take similar actions.
The quote serves as a poignant reminder that making a difference doesn't always require grand gestures or significant resources. Small, heartfelt actions can be powerful in their own right and often lead to broader positive change, emphasizing the importance of starting somewhere rather than being paralyzed by the enormity of a challenge.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
