The Most Terrible Poverty Is Loneliness

This quote is widely attributed to Mother Teresa and is consistent with her documented concern for the "poverty of the West" — particularly spiritual and emotional isolation — which she often contrasted with material poverty. A closely related authenticated statement reads: "Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." No single primary source has been confirmed for the exact wording, but the sentiment closely mirrors her verified speeches and interviews on modern loneliness.