Mother Teresa: Love Them Anyway

The Enduring Wisdom of Mother Teresa's "Anyway" Philosophy

Mother Teresa, a name synonymous with compassion and selfless service, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world. 

Among her many contributions to humanity, one of the most poignant is the simple yet profound poem known as "Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem." This piece of writing encapsulates the essence of her philosophy on love, kindness, and perseverance in the face of life's many challenges.

The poem, often found inscribed on the walls of Mother Teresa's children's home in Calcutta, serves as a beacon of hope and guidance for those who seek to make a positive impact in the world despite the odds. It reads:

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;

It was never between you and them anyway."

This poem, often attributed to Mother Teresa, reflects a deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. It acknowledges the imperfections and challenges we all face while interacting with others, yet it encourages us to act with love and kindness regardless of the outcome or the reception of our actions.

The message is clear: our actions should not be dictated by the fear of criticism or the desire for approval. Instead, we should strive to do what is right and good, even if it goes unnoticed or unappreciated. This selfless approach to living is not about naivety; it's about strength and conviction in one's values and beliefs.

Mother Teresa's words remind us that the ultimate judge of our actions is not society, but a higher moral compass that each of us holds within. Whether one believes in a divine presence or simply in the principles of humanity, the poem suggests that our actions are ultimately between us and our own conscience.

The "Anyway" philosophy is a call to action for those who wish to live a life of purpose and meaning. It encourages us to rise above pettiness, to forgive freely, to love unconditionally, and to contribute positively to the world, even when it seems like a thankless task.  I remember growing up in the Bronx, where slang was very common. There were various cliche remarks used. One of them was the simple word, "Anyways."   Whenever something negative came along, my peers and I would remark, "Anyways." It was a way of moving on from whatever happened or whatever was said and looking forward to a better scenario.  Mother Teresa's "Anyway" is a reminder that we cannot get caught up on trivial matters. Humans will behave like humans. They are fallen creatures with fallen natures.  Grace builds on nature. In the end, what matters is God. What we do on earth, who we love and all we do has no purpose only in God.  God is the one who gives all things meaning, even suffering. 

As we reflect on Mother Teresa's message, we are reminded of the power of individual actions to create ripples of change. It is a testament to the idea that the goodness we put into the world does matter, even if its impact is not immediately visible. In a world often marred by cynicism and self-interest, the "Anyway" poem stands as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of love and kindness.

In conclusion, Mother Teresa's "Anyway" poem is more than just words on a page; it is a philosophy for life. It challenges us to be better, to love more deeply, and to act with integrity, no matter the circumstances. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us carry her wisdom in our hearts and let it guide our actions, for in doing good, we find our truest selves.