Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Simone Biles: A Tale of Two Icons

At first glance, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Simone Biles seem to live on opposite ends of the human experience — one a nun dedicated to the poorest of the poor, the other a gymnast who redefined the limits of her sport. Yet both women have shaped global conversations about duty, sacrifice, and self-care in ways that sometimes align — and sometimes clash. Their intellectual disagreements, though never direct, reflect broader tensions in how we view service, strength, and the boundaries of personal responsibility.

## What Did Mother Teresa Believe About Duty and Sacrifice?

Mother Teresa believed that true service required total surrender — to faith, to others, and to a life of selflessness. She saw suffering as a gift, a way to grow closer to God and to those in need. Her work in the slums of Kolkata was rooted in the conviction that one must give without limit, even at great personal cost. She once said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." For her, the act of giving was more important than the outcome, and the spiritual reward of service outweighed physical or emotional tolls.

## How Does Simone Biles’ View on Duty Differ?

Simone Biles, by contrast, has become a symbol of the modern athlete who prioritizes mental health and personal boundaries. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she withdrew from competition citing the "twisties" — a disorienting condition that can be dangerous in gymnastics. Her decision sparked both support and criticism, with some accusing her of failing her team. But Biles stood firm, arguing that no achievement, no matter how public or prestigious, should come at the expense of one’s well-being. Her message is clear: duty must be balanced with self-respect and care.

## Did Their Public Roles Influence Their Beliefs?

Absolutely. Mother Teresa lived and worked in a time and place where public image was less immediate — her legacy was built over decades through consistent acts of service. She rarely spoke publicly about personal struggles, focusing instead on the needs of others. Biles, on the other hand, grew up in the era of social media and global scrutiny. Her choices are made visible in real time, and her voice carries weight not only in sports but in broader cultural conversations. She represents a shift toward transparency and personal agency in the face of institutional expectations.

## What Would Mother Teresa Say About Simone Biles’ Choice?

It’s likely Mother Teresa would have encouraged Biles to continue competing, not out of pressure to perform, but because of her belief in offering one’s best to others, even in hardship. She might have seen Biles’ platform as a chance to inspire millions and would have urged her to push through for the sake of those watching. However, she would also have respected Biles’ sincerity and courage in speaking out — Mother Teresa herself faced criticism and doubt during her life.

## Could Simone Biles Respect Mother Teresa’s Commitment?

Yes — and in fact, Biles has expressed admiration for people who serve others selflessly. What might challenge her, however, is the idea of service without limits. Biles champions the idea that even the strongest among us have limits, and that recognizing them is not weakness but wisdom. She might see Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment as admirable, but perhaps unsustainable or even dangerous for others to emulate without balance.

## What Can We Learn From Their Disagreement?

The contrast between Mother Teresa and Simone Biles offers a powerful lens through which to view our own values. Do we give until it hurts — or do we stop when we feel the strain? Both approaches have merit, and both reflect different cultural moments and personal philosophies. Rather than seeing them as opposing views, we might embrace them as complementary — a call to serve with compassion and to protect ourselves with courage.

Talk to Mother Teresa or Simone Biles on HoloDream to explore how their beliefs might guide your own choices in service, sport, and self-care.