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Revised: November 11, 2012
Please contact [email protected] if
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LDS Quotes on the
Importance of a College
Education
General and Women-Specific
Strength of Youth: Education (1 of 2)
• The Lord wants you to educate your mind and
improve your skills and abilities. Education will
help you to be an influence for good in the world.
It will help you better provide for yourself, your
loved ones, and those in need.
• Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices
to obtain learning. Education is an investment
that brings great rewards. You live in a
competitive world where a good education opens
the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be
closed to you.
For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God. Retrieved
from https://www.lds.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youthfulfilling-our-duty-to-god/education?lang=eng
Strength of Youth: Education (2 of 2)
• Maintain an enthusiasm for learning
throughout your life. Find joy in continuing to
learn about yourself, other people, and the
world around you.
For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God. Retrieved
from https://www.lds.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youthfulfilling-our-duty-to-god/education?lang=eng
Mormons and Education (1 of 2)
Education lies close to the hearts of members of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and
resonates with many of the other values they hold
dear. Mormons love learning and are dedicated to
the acquisition of knowledge. Their commitment
to education, both as a principle and as a practice,
is evident in their beliefs, teachings and everyday
activities. They affirm that education is a broad,
lifelong pursuit with a variety of vital purposes. ..
Mormons and Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-andeducation-an-overview
Mormons and Education (2 of 2)
…They have a unique understanding of what
education is — a principle that recognizes the
human soul as well as the intellect. Moreover,
Mormons have a tradition of education that is rich
and longstanding, something they cherish and
continue to maintain. Because they believe that
education deserves their best efforts, Latter-day
Saints afford it significant resources and energy.
Mormons and Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-andeducation-an-overview
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1 of 2)
It is so important that you young men and you
young women get all of the education that you
can. The Lord has said very plainly that His
people are to gain knowledge of countries and
kingdoms and of things of the world through the
process of education, even by study and by
faith. Education is the key which will unlock the
door of opportunity for you. It is worth
sacrificing for…
Inspirational Thoughts. Retrieved from
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/06/inspirationalthoughts?lang=eng
President Gordon B. Hinckley (2 of 2)
…It is worth working at, and if you educate your
mind and your hands, you will be able to make a
great contribution to the society of which you
are a part, and you will be able to reflect
honorably on the Church of which you are a
member. My dear young brothers and sisters,
take advantage of every educational opportunity
that you can possibly afford, and you fathers and
mothers, encourage your sons and daughters to
gain an education, which will bless their lives.
Inspirational Thoughts. Retrieved from
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/06/inspirationalthoughts?lang=eng
Sister Mary N. Cook (1 of 5)
God gave you moral agency and the opportunity
to learn while on earth, and He has a work for
you to do. To accomplish this work, you have an
individual responsibility to seek learning. The key
to your future, your “bright ray of hope,”1 can be
found in the new For the Strength of Youth
booklet under the standard of education and in
the Young Women value of knowledge.
“Education … will open the doors of opportunity.”
Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-womenmeeting/2012/03/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-todo?lang=eng
Sister Mary N. Cook (2 of 5)
President Gordon B. Hinckley wisely counseled
the youth of the Church: “The pattern of study
you establish during your formal schooling will
in large measure affect your lifelong thirst for
knowledge.” “You must get all of the education
that you possibly can. … Sacrifice anything that
is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves
to do the work of [this] world. … Train your
minds and hands to become an influence for
good as you go forward with your lives.”
Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-womenmeeting/2012/03/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-todo?lang=eng
Sister Mary N. Cook (3 of 5)
In speaking specifically to women, President
Thomas S. Monson said: “Often the future is
unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare
for uncertainties. … I urge you to pursue your
education and learn marketable skills so that,
should such a situation arise, you are prepared
to provide.”6
Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-womenmeeting/2012/03/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-todo?lang=eng
Sister Mary N. Cook (4 of 5)
Gaining knowledge now will pay huge dividends
when you become a mother. “A mother’s
education level has a profound influence on the
educational choices of her [children].” A
mother’s education can hold the “key to halt
[the] poverty cycle.” Educated women “tend to:
Give birth to healthier babies, have children who
are healthier, be more confident, resilient and
have improved reasoning and judgment.”
Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-womenmeeting/2012/03/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-todo?lang=eng
Sister Mary N. Cook (5 of 5)
Providing an education for your children is part
of that nurturing and is your sacred
responsibility. Like the stripling warriors, who
“had been taught by their mothers,” you will be
the most important teacher your children will
ever have, so choose your learning carefully.
Bless your children and your future home by
learning as much as you can now.
Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-womenmeeting/2012/03/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-todo?lang=eng
Henry B. Eyring (1 of 3)
The Lord and His Church have always
encouraged education to increase our ability to
serve Him and our Heavenly Father’s children.
For each of us, whatever our talents, He has
service for us to give. And to do it well always
involves learning, not once or for a limited time,
but continually.
Real-Life Education. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/youth/article/print?lang=eng&url=/youth/
article/real-life-education
Henry B. Eyring (2 of 3)
It is also clear that spiritual learning would not replace our
drive for secular learning. The Lord clearly values what you
will find in that history book. And He favors not only
Spanish verbs but also the study of geography. His
educational charter requires that we have “a knowledge
also of countries and of kingdoms” (D&C 88:79). There is
also an endorsement for questions we study in the
sciences. It is clear that putting spiritual learning first does
not relieve us from learning secular things. On the
contrary, it gives our secular learning purpose and
motivates us to work harder at it…Remember, you are
interested in education, not just for moral life but for
eternal life.
Real-Life Education. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/youth/article/print?lang=eng&url=/youth/
article/real-life-education
Henry B. Eyring (3 of 3)
Part of the tragedy you must avoid is to
discover too late that you missed an
opportunity to prepare for a future only
God could see for you.
Real-Life Education. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/youth/article/print?lang=eng&url=/youth/
article/real-life-education
Education Was Our Answer
We’ve talked about education being important not only
for just-in-case situations but also for all situations.
Education and family life aren’t mutually exclusive. Ty
and I are trying to help them understand that the
preparation that education provides will help them in all
aspects of their future lives…The sense of
accomplishment I felt upon graduating has continued in
a feeling of perpetual peace and fulfillment. We are
grateful that education has prepared us for the future,
even when we can’t always know what that future holds.
Sheralyn Mitchell. Education Was Our Answer. Retrieved from
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/. Ensign, April 2009., pp. 30-31.
Hollingsworth (1 of 2)
One of the most important things you can do as
a parent or leader is talk about education early
and often. If a young person is exposed to
people who encourage and promote
educational, even if those people did not have
the opportunity for education themselves, that
exposures often translates into the student
seeking educational opportunities. Create that
expectation as early as you can…
College to Career. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org. Ensign (April, 2009, pp.
32-35)
Hollingsworth (2 of 2)
…Leaders of youth might consider asking ward and
stake members who work in different fields to give
presentations, perhaps at Mutual or other church
and social settings, about what they do for a living
and what has helped them be successful in their
chosen fields. You might also ask people who work
in higher education to speak to the youth about the
value of education. Even when parents are already
encouraging college, it helps youth to hear it from
others as well.
College to Career. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org. Ensign (April, 2009, pp.
32-35)
Purpose of Learning (1 of 2)
Latter-day Saints also believe that learning ought to have
practical value; it should improve one’s ability to make
social contributions, to be financially self-reliant, and
generally to “act well in the world’s work.” Latter-day
Saints recognize that education is crucial for moral and
practical reasons that range from the support and
upbringing of their families to participation in broader
society. Education is a serious charge for parents who are
responsible to provide the necessities of life for their
children. ..
Mormons and Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-andeducation-an-overview
Purpose of Learning (2 of 2)
…Church President Thomas S. Monson has
encouraged both men and women to pursue
education in order to participate as needed in a
competitive economic world. Education also enables
those who pursue it to make a greater impact for
good in their communities. It enhances their ability to
serve the human family.
Mormons and Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-andeducation-an-overview
Purposes of Education (1 of 3)
1. “The glory of God is intelligence.”
2. “The objective of all people is to continuously
strive to become like Him.”
3. Life is a “school to develop understanding
through both study and experience.”
4. “Education is one of life’s preeminent purposes
and has enduring eternal value that transcends
death.”
Mormons and Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-andeducation-an-overview
Purposes of Education (2 of 3)
5. “…God has made education a divine
commandment…”
6. “…learning is essential for salvation…”
7. Joseph Smith said, “no man is saved faster than
he gets knowledge” and that “no man can be
saved in ignorance.”
8. “…God is actively involved in the education of
His children.”
Mormons and Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-andeducation-an-overview
Purposes of Education (3 of 3)
9. “Education is for the whole person; it involves
and benefits both the mind and the spirit.”
10. “Mormons recognize a kind of learning that
incorporates both intellect and spiritual
insights.”
11. “The pursuit of truth brings seekers nearer to
God and helps fulfill life’s essential purposes.”
Mormons and Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-andeducation-an-overview
Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 93:36
The glory of God is
intelligence, or, in other
words, light and truth.
Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 88:118
And as all have not faith, seek ye
diligently and teach one another
words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out
of the best books words of wisdom;
seek learning, even by study and
also by faith.
Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 90: 15
And set in order the churches,
and study and learn, and
become acquainted with all
good books, and with languages,
tongues, and people.
Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 93: 53
And, verily I say unto you, that it is my
will that you should hasten to
translate my scriptures, and to
obtain a knowledge of history, and of
countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of
God and man, and all this for the
salvation of Zion.
Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants 130:18-21
“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto
in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
And if a person gains more knowledge and
intelligence in this life through his diligence and
obedience than another, he will have so much the
advantage in the world to come.
There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven
before the foundations of this world, upon which all
blessings are predicated—
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is
by obedience to that law upon which it is
predicated.”
Brigham Young
Education is the power to think
clearly, the power to act well in
the world’s work, and the
power to appreciate life.
Henry B. Eyring
• …you are interested in education, not
just for mortal life but for eternal life.
• …put spiritual learning first and yet not
slight the secular learning.
• No service that matters can be given over
a lifetime by those who stop learning.
Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct. 2002
Elder Russell M. Nelson
…prepare to do work of real worth for your
fellowmen. This is one of the fundamental
reasons for enrollment at this institution of
higher learning. The critical difference between
your just hoping for good things for mankind and
your being able to do good things for mankind is
education.
Russell M. Nelson, "Reflections and Resolution"
Speeches: Brigham Young University, Jan. 7, 2004, p. 65
President Brigham Young
“You educate a man; you educate a
man. You educate a woman; you
educate a generation.”
President Brigham Young
If I had a choice of educating my
daughters or my sons because of
opportunity constraints, I would
choose to educate my daughters.
Elder Robert D. Hales
A few of the basic attributes needed to become
a lifelong learner are courage, faithful desire,
humility, patience, curiosity, and a willingness to
communicate and share the knowledge that we
gain…. Lifelong learning is essential to the
vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It
enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong
learning is invigorating mentally and is a great
defense against aging, depression, and selfdoubt.
"The Journey of Lifelong Learning," in Brigham Young
University 2008-2009 Speeches [2009], 2, 8-9
President Gordon B. Hinckley
The whole gamut of human endeavor is now open to
women. There is not anything that you cannot do if
you will set your mind to it. I am grateful that women
today are afforded the same opportunity to study for
science, for the professions, and for every other facet
of human knowledge. You are as entitled as are men
to the Spirit of Christ, which enlightens every man
and woman who comes into the world. . . You can
include in the dream of the woman you would like to
be a picture of one qualified to serve society and
make a significant contribution to the world of which
she will be a part.
How Can I Become the Woman of Whom I Dream?. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/how-can-ibecome-the-woman-of-whom-i-dream?lang=eng
Sister Marie Hafen
Knowing, then, that marriage and family come
first, what should we think about education and
careers? Remember—the issue is not marriage
or education; the issue is marriage and
education. . . It has been said that before
becoming somebody’s wife, before becoming
somebody’s mother, become somebody.
Celebrating Womanhood. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/06/celebratingwomanhood?lang=eng
Sister Marie Hafen
Anyone who uses Church teachings as
an excuse for thinking women should
not wholeheartedly seek an education
does not understand what the Church
teaches.
Celebrating Womanhood. Retrieved from
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/06/celebratingwomanhood?lang=eng
President Gordon B. Hinckley
I am offended by the sophistry that
the only lot of the Latter-day Saint
woman is to be barefoot and
pregnant. It’s a clever phrase, but it’s
false.
Cornerstones of a Happy Home, Eternal Marriage Student Manual.
Retrieved from
http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/marriage35311000/selectio
ns/marriage35311000_23.pdf
Elder Richard G. Scott
In the June 11, 2007 employee meeting with Elder
Richard G. Scott, an employee who works in
advising asked how to advise women who believe
they cannot justify the cost of completing their
education when they plan to stay home with their
children. Elder Scott seemed a little surprised by the
question but responded instantly: “Please, open
their eyes,” he said. “A mother has got to be
brilliantly educated in today’s world. One of the
greatest gifts that can be given to today’s children is
a mother in the home who is well-educated.”
What if “Plan A” Doesn’t Work? (Casey Hurley). Retrieved from
http://www.byui.edu/Documents/instructional_development/P
erspective/V7n2PDF/v7n2_hurley.pdf
President James E. Faust
For women, the important ingredients for happiness are to
forge an identity, serve the Lord, get an education, develop
your talents, serve your family, and if possible to have a family
of your own. However, you cannot do all these things well at
the same time. You cannot be a 100-percent wife, a 100percent mother, a 100-percent Church worker, a 100-percent
career person, and a 100-percent public-service person at the
same time. How can all of these roles be coordinated? I
suggest that you can have it sequentially. Sequentially is a big
word meaning to do things one at a time at different times. I
hope you acquire all of the knowledge you can. Become as
skillful as you can, but not exclusively in new careers at the
expense of the primary ones, or you may find that you have
missed one of the great opportunities of your lives.
How Near to the Angels. April 1998 General Conference. Retrieved
from http://www.lds.org/generalconference/print/1998/04/how-near-to-the-angels?lang=eng