Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom

by Carol Kelly-Gangi (Editor)

By the time of her death in 1997, Mother Teresa had become beloved the world over for her tireless efforts and service to millions of the poor, the outcast, the ill, and the dying. But her legacy extends beyond her actions, as Mother Teresa spoke in over a hundred countries on subjects close to her heart. Her Essential Wisdom collects hundreds of her inspiring quotations on the importance of charity, the value of family, and the absolute dignity of every human being.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Biography, Inspirational, Catholic, Religion, Christianity

136 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Reta · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in middle school, I read a biography of this saint, and I’ve never stopped being inspired by her dedication and humility.

I’m not Catholic, so I don’t align with all her religious views; however, her application of her religious views is unquestionable in the unfailing service, dignity, and peace work she devoted to humanity. She is an aspiration to the world.

Reading her own words, simply and topically presented in this little book, moved and inspired me once again in my work as a health and lifestyle coach. I especially resonated with her words for peace and against war considering our present world circumstances.

I will definitely read this again. With a highlighter. And post quotes.

[Bookish Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Protestant, but I have found much wisdom within many Catholic writings, and in that respect this was no different. My principle interest was to read more about the perspective of a woman who, having devoted her life to serving and loving God, became synonymous with compassion. It’s a small book of quotes which I examined slowly and prayerfully. A beautiful little book.

[Kim Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of quotes made by the Mother Teresa. Although I read this beautiful book straight through, this is one I will keep with my Bible study books as a reference to go back and reflect.

[Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compilation of Mother Teresa's wisdom is both a helpful introduction to her thought and worldview and a distilled and inspirational summary of her most meaningful quotes or writings. I read it to become more familiar with her thought and it certainly helped me to do this. Of course, my favorite wisdom of hers wasn't contained therein (i.e., the one that rejoins with the phrase "do it anyway"), but much else of benefit was. It can get a little repetitive at times, but this is not a major flaw. For someone seeking inspiration and/or insight from a modern saint, this book will certainly help.

[Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep this short and simple book by my bedside to read before going to sleep. Nice way to end each day.

[Saurabh Maurya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative captures the essence of Mother Teresa's selfless devotion to serving the poor and destitute, offering readers a glimpse into the profound impact of her actions on the lives of countless individuals. [carol kelly-gangi] skillfully weaves together anecdotes, quotes, and personal reflections, creating a compelling portrait of a woman whose life was dedicated to compassion and love.

One of the strengths of the book is its ability to present Mother Teresa's wisdom in a way that is accessible and relatable. The author succeeds in distilling the essence of her teachings, making them applicable to readers from all walks of life. Whether one is familiar with Mother Teresa's work or encountering her philosophy for the first time, the book provides valuable insights that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book: Mother Teresa: Quotable Wisdom Mother Teresa was beloved the world over for her tireless efforts on behalf of the poor and outcast, and her spirit shines through in this powerful, life-affirming collection. Taken from her writings and speeches, here are hundreds of inspiring quotations on the importance of charity, the value of family, and the absolute dignity of every human being. About the Author: Carol Kelly-Gangi Carol Kelly-Gangi is the editor of such titles as The Essential Wisdom of the Presidents, The Saints (Quotable Wisdom), The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers, and Essential African American Wisdom. She lives in NJ with her husband and two children.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gotten so much wisdom from her these past couple of days that I have been reading her book. It's an easy read, you can read it in two hours or less, but if you really want to get wisdom out of it, it is important to stop and reflect on the things she says about service,life, joy, family, money, politics, religion,and the religious life. It must have been Providence that inspired me to read it at such a time as this, I am enriched by it.

[Darcy Russell]

St. Teresa of Calcutta is a woman who challenges me and also inspires me. This book is a curated collection of her words and of words that people spoke about her after her passing in 1997. The message of this humble woman is important - and it is the same message as the God she loved - it is the message of forgiveness and love.

[Lisa Kilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading her quotes, found many to be thoughtful and inspiring.

[Julie Stowitzky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing wise and holy thoughts from a woman who I have always been impressed by, but could never emulate. She is definitely a saint.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to go wrong assembling a collection of sayings by someone like Mother Teresa, so rather than writing a review I'll just write a few of the quotes that stood out to me:

"Were I to think about crowds, I would never begin anything. It is the person that matters."

"If you really love one another you will not be able to avoid making sacrifices."

"Today it is very fashionable to talk about the poor. Unfortunately, it is not very fashionable to talk with them."

God does not demand that I be successful. God demands that I be faithful. When facing God results are not important, faithfulness is what is important."

"Sacrifice, surrender, and suffering are not popular topics nowadays. Our culture makes us believe that that we can have it all, that we should demand our rights, that with the right technology all pain and problems can be overcome. That is not my attitude towards sacrifice."

"Who are we to judge the rich? It is our duty to put the poor and the rich face to face, to be their point of encounter."

"Every work of love done with a full heart brings people closer to God."

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wisdom - this woman most definitely had it. The question is often asked, "Why does God allow suffering." Reading Mother Teresa's words the answer is that it is not God who allows suffering, but Man does. One woman made a personal commitment to alleviate suffering and impacted countless lives. In giving us our lives, God has given us the power to change the world by the selfless choices we can all make everyday.

On prayer:

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at his disposition, and listening to his voice is the depths of our hearts.”

“I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks. God is the friend of silence – we need to listen to God because it’s not what we say but what he says to us and through us that matters.”

“Be faithful to the time spent in prayer and make sure that at least half of your prayer is spent in silence.”

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time with this book, reading just a few pages every time I sat down with the book. I needed time to think about what I read each time.

Mother Teresa is a humble, deeply wise woman. And she shared this freely with others.
Her words inspire me to be better. But not just 'better'. I'm inspired to be a more centered person and in particular a deeper, more grounded woman.

Here are my top 3 quotes from Mother Teresa:

"Abandonment is an awful poverty. There are poor people everywhere, but the deepest poverty is not being loved."

"One thing that I ask of you: Never be afraid of giving. There is a deep joy in giving, since what we receive is much more than what we give."

"If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed, you won't be discouraged; if anyone calls you a saint, you won't put yourself on a pedestal."

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always been someone I have admired. Reading this made me love her even more. Selfless. That describes Mother Teresa. But also, it made me realize she is human....not sure this will make sense, but I always saw her being MORE than human and this book (somehow) made me view her as only human. She never made obvious mistakes....but some of her views I found I didn't agree with. That was what was refreshing. Ha ha ha...I know, doesn't make sense to anyone but me. I LOVE to read for that reason...to discover things that sometimes only makes sense to me. A must read!!!

[Kachwani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mother teresa is human. In her mission to serve the poor she shows us that we can all make meaningul contributions in others by forgetting their condition and realizing " it os the person that matters". We have solemn duty towards the poor because its in helping the poor that we get closer to christ. Mother teresa echoes christs message of love, humility and fearlessness. Love in her words is the greatesy gift and its in giving it that we affirms christs message, "love one another as i have loved you" . Its an amazing book that can be read in one sitting.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books gives a little background information on Mother Teresa, then presents quotes from Mother Teresa on various topics. The book is divided into sections based on these topics, including love, peace, family life, women, the religious life, and others. At the end are statements from various world and religious leaders about Mother Teresa and finally, a chronology of the major events of her life. Her views on life can certainly be viewed as wisdom, and it's worth taking the time to read and ponder her words.

[Vegan Viajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

She inspires me. I cannot encourage others to read this enough as it answered so many spiritual questions I'd been asking --- I wish I had found this book sooner as it finally defined WHY family is important. In our individualistic society I often found disconnect w my family and figured everything was fine as long as I'm dedicating my day to day to human rights and animal rights ( st Francis of Assisi my favorite Saint to this day), but she brought to light new perspective not only on my family but politics ...

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book to me is a little out of my league but when i saw it and i read the first couple of pages it got me thinking about how amazing this woman was. This book is basically about her adventures and how she came across being the BOLD women she is now. It really doesn't have many pages to read but the quotes are really what make the book. If you are into religious books this is the perfect book for you!

[Martha Williams]

Mother Teresa is a great friend to have by your side every day. This book conveys her love and wisdom by sharing hundreds of her comments. The editor, Carol Kelly-Gangi, wrote a beautiful introduction which creates an even greater impact for the book. Perhaps I shall never have the courage and determination of Mother Teresa, but I am working toward sharing the love and understanding at least part of her wisdom.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of quotes and eulogies - interesting and beneficial, particularly to those with a shared value system. The book would have benefitted from context and integration rather than simply relying on the (well justified) fame of its subject.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great place to start if you want to get insight into the thought process of the Blessed Mother Teresa. It can be read very quickly. However, it is one of those books that you can open from time to time in order to read parts of it again.

[Rebecca Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple, no-frills book of her writings and quotes organized under topics. The perfect book to read a page or two every day to start the day right.

Such a humble and selfless woman--it was very inspiring to read, especially as I am here in India serving those with leprosy!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend sent this book to me for my birthday, and I am so glad that she did. I love this book because I enjoy Mother Teresa's quotes. She was a very humble, saintly woman and I have always admired her. This is a small inspiring book and I am sure that I wil re-read this book many times.

[Sharnice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humility is essential to service. Lay your all on the altar. A lesson we much hear many times in life.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would it take to have the strength of Mother Teresa to look at the world in a compassionate way? Can it be learned? I hope so. The verses were powerfully inspirational.

[Lara Lazenby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I love her. I love her words. I want to carry this little book in my purse so I always have it with me!

[Mary Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational book. I loved reading it. All of Mother Teresa's quotes made me think of my life so far and how I have lived and made me think about how I can do better.

[Jennifer Anderson]

Who doesn't love Mother Teresa? So humble, so loving, and a willing servant! Such a great example...love her and this book!

[Anabel Sanchez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love her wisdom about love