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This quote talks to me about the simplicity and power of good thoughts and actions. One person may not be too big to make all the difference in the world. But one person can create a ripple effect by doing something that the rest of the world joins in. The beauty of this quote is not just in the humility Mother Teresa reflects in the quote. It is also about the belief in others and resonance that can create a ripple effect to cast a wide enough change for the world to revel in.

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples

– Mother Teresa Quotes

I alone cannot change the world meaning

Although our egoistic side would like to believe that we can change the entire world, the world is too big. It takes many people to make a change and create a lasting effect. But that’s a great thing! It means that as a single person, we can focus on doing what’s possible rather than taking up an impossible task. The egoistic side likes to believe that we are big and can make a difference in the world. But the world doesn’t need a change or difference. It is we who need to create this because something within us is telling us to do it.

Although one person is not too big, they can still make a difference. This difference is in liaising with others, bringing people together and creating a compelling effect through the power of a network. For a long time, we’ve lauded heroes and looked up to them. But none of these heroes were single-handedly responsible for all the things that they were given credit for.

It’s not about one person but the thoughts that resonate and create ripples

They had a team of people who worked with them to make a change. Our stories unfortunately don’t talk enough about these groups of people who made a difference because it isn’t glamorous enough. The truth however is that one person cannot change the world. But their thoughts can have a beautiful impact. These thoughts resonate with others, they create beliefs and before you know them – they are at work.

The main messages from this quote are:

• One person is too small to make a difference, but they can have a thought that can be the seed of a lasting impact
• It is not about one person, but about the thought, purpose and vision to bring others along
• Groups and teams are far more powerful than individuals and can create many ripples in the world
• Although one person cannot change the world, they can bring many persons together to create a big enough impact – they can cast the seed of large things

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples

– Mother Teresa Quotes