"باید بدانیم که ما برای کارهای بزرگتری آفریده شده‌ایم، نه فقط برای اینکه یک عدد در دنیا باشیم، نه فقط برای اخذ دیپلم‌ها و مدارک، این کار و آن کار. ما آفریده شده‌ایم تا عشق بورزیم و محبت ببینیم."

The core idea here is that our existence isn't solely about achieving academic or professional milestones; it’s about the deeper purpose of loving and being loved. Doesn’t that resonate with you? We often get caught up in the hustle—chasing after titles, accumulating certificates, and stacking up achievements like they’re the be-all and end-all of our existence. But there’s so much more to life. Let’s peel back the layers.

Think about when this was said. It was by Mother Teresa, a woman who dedicated her life to helping the poorest of the poor. She wasn’t concerned with degrees or formal education, though she was well-educated herself. Her life's work exemplified love in action. She believed that our true calling goes beyond societal metrics of success. It’s about the profound human capability to love and the intrinsic need to be loved in return.

Imagine Sarah, a high-flying corporate lawyer. She’s got the office with the view, the six-figure salary, and the degrees from prestigious universities. On paper, she’s got it all. But if you sit down with her over a cup of coffee, you might find out she feels empty. Despite all her accomplishments, she misses a sense of connection. She’s estranged from her family, and her friendships have withered under the weight of her demanding career. One day, she volunteers at a local shelter. Holding hands with an elderly woman who has no one else in the world, Sarah feels a warmth and fulfillment she hasn’t felt in years. That’s the kind of love Mother Teresa spoke about. It’s genuine, unquantifiable, and deeply human.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by reassessing what you prioritize. Sure, diplomas and steady jobs are important—they open doors and provide stability. But don’t make them your entire world. Make time for your loved ones. Reach out to that friend you haven’t spoken to in forever. Volunteer your time for a cause you care about. These seemingly small acts of love can transform your life in ways that no amount of professional success can.

Let me tell you about my friend Jake. He was your typical overachiever, always buried in books and obsessed with grades. One summer, he took a break from his relentless studying and joined a community project to build homes for homeless families. It wasn’t just about hammering nails and laying bricks; it was about the bonds he formed with the families and other volunteers. He often says that summer changed his life. He realized that while his academic and career goals were significant, they were incomplete without the human element—without love and empathy.

In a nutshell, it's about balance. While it’s great to aim for success, don’t lose sight of what really makes us human. The connections we form, the love we give and receive—these are the things that truly matter. So, the next time you’re tempted to pull another all-nighter for that big exam, or work late to impress your boss, ask yourself: When was the last time I showed love? When was the last time I let myself be loved?

Because at the end of the day, we’re more than just numbers or degrees. We’re beings meant to love and be loved. And that, my friend, is what makes life truly worth living.