"Loneliness is the greatest poverty of rich countries."
This statement quoted by Mother Theresa can be taken a few different ways. Firstly, in a literal sense, where people who live in a rich and thriving country are poor being lonely. These people deal with seeing people take their riches for granted, when all they could ask for is a real meal or winter coat. Another way to interpret this quote, is more figuratively. Poverty is relevant in more than just materialistic things, it is relevant in opportunities and emotions. Although you may have all the material goods and money you would ever need in life, you may not have a strong emotional support system. Loneliness is a feeling that anybody can face, no matter what their situation.
Mother Theresa once said, "I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?" This quote can be taken both literally and figuratively as well. Mother Theresa meant to know those who are major parts of your life, and never judge anyone by their cover. You do not know what anyone is going through on the inside. She meant that you may never fully know someone, even if they are as close to you as a next-door neighbor.
