Quote of the Day by Dalai Lama: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with ..."

Dalai Lama Quote

We often think that to change the world, we need to do something huge—to be a powerful leader, a famous celebrity, or a billionaire donor. It’s easy to feel too small or too ordinary to matter. But the Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader known for his gentle wisdom, offers a tiny but powerful reminder of our own potential: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

It’s a simple, even funny, image. But behind the humor is a very important lesson about the real nature of impact.

Think about it. A mosquito is one of the smallest creatures you’ll ever meet. It has no strength, no loud voice, no grand plans. And yet, when you’re trying to sleep, a single mosquito can change everything.

You’re in a comfortable bed, ready to rest, when you hear that faint, high-pitched buzzing near your ear. Suddenly, your entire night is transformed. You turn on the light, you start searching the room, you might even get out of bed. That one tiny insect can take away your peace, your comfort, and your sleep. It proves that size does not determine power to affect change.

The Dalai Lama isn’t telling us to be annoying. He’s reminding us that small things—and small people—have immense power to create change. Your actions, no matter how small they seem, create ripples. A kind word to a stranger, helping a neighbor, choosing to be honest, teaching a child, picking up litter in your park—these are your “buzz.” They may seem insignificant alone, but they have the power to change someone’s day, shift a mood, or even alter a perspective.

When you feel insignificant, remember the mosquito. It doesn’t ask, “Am I big enough to matter?” It simply acts, and the whole environment responds.

You don’t have to move mountains to make the world better. Start with what you have, where you are. Be the persistent kindness that disrupts someone’s sadness. Be the small voice of truth that challenges a lie. Be the quiet act of help that relieves a burden.