Looking for great Latter-day Saint quotes and inspiring memes about education and lifelong learning? Look no further—
“He who invades the domain of knowledge must approach it as Moses came to the burning bush; he stands on holy ground; he would acquire things sacred. We must come to this quest of truth—in all regions of human knowledge whatsoever, not only in reverence, but with a spirit of worship.” —J. Reuben Clark Jr., as quoted by President Dallin H. Oaks in Learning and Latter-day Saints
Sections
“Knowledge acquired here will be ours forever”
To youth and young adults
“Get all of the education that you possibly can”
Education: A commandment and a “religious responsibility”
Educational opportunities vary
Sacrifice for education
God will help you learn
“To be learned is good if…”
Educate your children
Be a Lifelong Learner
“Knowledge acquired here will be ours forever”
“Our Creator expects His children everywhere to educate themselves. … And He assures us that knowledge acquired here will be ours forever. (See D&C 130:18–19.)” —President Russell M. Nelson
“While mortality is only a small moment in eternity, learning throughout our mortal lives is an essential part of our eternal education.”—Elder Robert D. Hales
“With the Lord, ‘all things work together for [our] good’ (Romans 8:28), and the education we receive comes in incremental steps as our lives unfold before us.” —President Dallin H. Oaks
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To youth and young adults
“In our educational choices we should prepare to support ourselves and those who may become dependent upon us. It is necessary that we have marketable skills. Education is mandatory to personal security and well-being.
“Our Heavenly Father expects us to use our agency and inspiration to examine ourselves and our abilities and decide the educational course we should follow. This is especially important for young people who have finished high school and missionary service and now face decisions about further schooling and employment.” —President Dallin H. Oaks
“Resolve now, while you are young, that you will get all of the education you can. We live in a highly competitive age, and it will only grow worse. Education is the key that will unlock the door of opportunity.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
“The pattern of study you establish during your formal schooling will in large measure affect your lifelong thirst for knowledge.” —President Gordon B. Hinckley
“You are living through a critical period of your life. The choices you make—mission, education, marriage, career, and service in the Church—will shape your eternal destiny. This means you will always be looking ahead—looking to the future.” —Elder Robert D. Hales
“Young men and women, your education is ever important—to us, to you, and to God. Where feasible, if you wish to attend a college or university after your mission, we encourage you to apply to your institution of choice before beginning your mission. Many institutions of higher learning will grant an 18- to 30-month deferral to prospective missionaries. This will enable you elders and sisters to serve without worrying about where you will begin your advanced education. We are very grateful to leaders of educational institutions who are making such planning possible!” —President Russell M. Nelson
“Follow the advice of these wise and inspired prophets. … Be a good student. Arise and shine forth in your schools with hard work, honesty, and integrity. If you are struggling or discouraged with your performance in school, seek help from your parents, teachers, and helpful Church members. Never give up!” —Sister Mary N. Cook
“Get all of the education that you possibly can”
“You must get all of the education that you possibly can. Life has become so complex and competitive. You cannot assume that you have entitlements due you. You will be expected to put forth great effort and to use your best talents to make your way to the most wonderful future of which you are capable.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
“Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves, to establish their lives upon a foundation of self-reliance that can come of training. Education is the key to opportunity.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
Educational opportunities vary
The opportunities for formal education vary; worthiness and ability to serve in the gospel callings are not dependent on level of education.
“If formal education is not available, do not allow that to prevent you from acquiring all the knowledge you can. Under such circumstances, the best books, in a sense, can become your ‘university’—a classroom that is always open and admits all who apply.” —Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“Your mind is precious! It is sacred. Therefore, the education of one’s mind is also sacred. Indeed, education is a religious responsibility. Of course, our opportunities and abilities will vary a great deal. But, in the pursuit of one’s education, individual desire is more important than is the institution you choose; personal drive is more significant than is the faculty.”—President Russell M. Nelson
“I believe the future will be great and marvelous in many respects. Opportunities for education and learning have increased and will continue to increase dramatically. … Now and in the future, vast amounts of information are becoming more accessible worldwide through electronic devices in the home, the workplace, or the local library.” —President James E. Faust
“Most of us who are called to leadership in the Church feel that we are inadequate because of inexperience, lack of ability, or meager learning and education. Of the many descriptions of Moses is the following: ‘Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth’ (Num. 12:3).
“Years ago I recall President John Kelly, who was then presiding over the Fort Worth Texas Stake, called Brother Felix Velasquez to be the president of the Spanish branch. This good man worked, as I recall, as a car inspector on the railroad. When President Kelly called him to this service, he responded, ‘President, I cannot be the president of the Spanish branch. I cannot read.’ President Kelly then promised him that if he would accept the calling and labor diligently to magnify it, he would be sustained and blessed. With the help of the Lord, this humble man, through his diligent efforts, became able to read. He served well as branch president and for many years subsequent and now is serving in the high council of that stake. The Lord blesses his servants in many ways.” —President James E. Faust
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Education: A commandment and a “religious responsibility”
“The Lord wants you to educate your minds and hands, whatever your chosen field. Whether it be repairing refrigerators, or the work of a skilled surgeon, you must train yourselves. Seek for the best schooling available. Become a workman of integrity in the world that lies ahead of you.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
“Because of our sacred regard for each human intellect, we consider the obtaining of an education to be a religious responsibility. Yet opportunities and abilities differ. I believe that in the pursuit of education, individual desire is more influential than institution, and personal faith more forceful than faculty.”—President Russell M. Nelson
“You have a mandate from the Lord to educate your minds and your hearts and your hands.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
“For a disciple of Jesus Christ, academic scholarship is a form of worship. It is actually another dimension of consecration. Hence one who seeks to be a disciple-scholar will take both scholarship and discipleship seriously; and, likewise, gospel covenants. For the disciple-scholar, the first and second great commandments frame and prioritize life. How else could one worship God with all of one’s heart, might, mind, and strength? (Luke 10:27)”—Elder Neal A. Maxwell
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Sacrifice for education
“Get all of the education that you possibly can. … Sacrifice a car; sacrifice anything that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do the work of the world. That world will in large measure pay you what it thinks you are worth, and your worth will increase as you gain education and proficiency in your chosen field.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
“Many young adults in the world are going into debt to get an education, only to find the cost of school is greater than they can repay. Seek out scholarships and grants. Obtain part-time employment, if possible, to help pay your own way. This will require some sacrifice, but it will help you succeed.”—Elder Robert D. Hales
“Now is the great day of preparation for each of you. If it means sacrifice, then sacrifice. That sacrifice will become the best investment you have ever made, for you will reap returns from it all the days of your lives.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
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God will help you learn
“Most people stop learning out of fear. They are afraid they cannot learn. You need never have that fear if you are faithful. … I want you to know with absolute certainty that you can learn whatever God would have you learn. Great learners believe that. They have the attitude that they can learn.”—President Henry B. Eyring
“You are a child of God. … You have a deeper reason for believing in what you can do, because you know who you really are. As a child of God, your destiny, if you work hard enough and are faithful, is to become like Him. That means that there is nothing that is true that you cannot learn, because He knows all truth.” —President Henry B. Eyring
“My young brothers and sisters, don’t take counsel of your fears. Don’t say to yourselves, ‘I’m not wise enough, or I can’t apply myself sufficiently well to study this difficult subject or in this difficult field, so I shall choose the easier way.’ I plead with you to tax your talent, and our Heavenly Father will make you equal to those decisions.”—President Thomas S. Monson
“If you do your part to gain knowledge, the Holy Ghost can enlighten your mind. As you strive to keep yourself worthy, the Holy Ghost will give direction and added light to your learning.”—Sister Mary N. Cook
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“To be learned is good if…”
Church leaders and scriptures repeatedly emphasize that education and learning need to be tempered with wisdom, humility and balance.
“O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.” 2 Ne. 9:28–29
“I believe that I am still a child with lots to learn. Most folks can teach me something.” —President Henry B. Eyring
“Within the hallowed walls of the temples, there is no preference of position, wealth, status, race, or education.” —President James E. Faust
“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.” D&C 88:118
“[Latter-day Saint] scholars can and should speak in the tongue of scholarship, but without coming to prefer it and without losing the mother tongue of faith.”—Elder Neal A. Maxwell
“Undoubtedly, education unlocks the doors of the future for us. But we should be sure that our computers of faith are working so that we can constantly remain on the course of righteousness. We can do this with daily prayer, scripture reading, family home evenings, and keeping our covenants and ordinances on a daily basis.” —President James E. Faust
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Educate your children
“We learn in The Family: A Proclamation to the World that ‘mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.’ 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,’ (Alma 56:47) 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.” —Sister Mary N. Cook
“Prime time for teaching is fleeting. Opportunities are perishable. The parent who procrastinates the pursuit of his responsibility as a teacher may, in years to come, gain bitter insight to Whittier’s expression: ‘ … of all sad words of tongue and pen, The saddest are these: “It might have been”.’”—President Thomas S. Monson
“The giving of priesthood blessings as children start a school year or leave home invites the Spirit at a time when hearts are humble and thus receptive to the whisperings of the Spirit.”—President Henry B. Eyring
“Stir within your children the desire for education. This is the latchkey to success in life. And at the same time, teach them that as President David O. McKay was wont to remind us, ‘No other success can compensate for failure in the home’.”—President Gordon B. Hinckley
Be a Lifelong Learner
“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 self-doubt.” —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.”—Elder Robert D. Hales
“When we see our learning here as part of our eternal education, we raise our sights for learning. As children, we might have begun learning because our parents coaxed or cajoled us. They wanted us to acquire a formal education with college degrees or technical labor skills, knowing that at the end of our labors we would be rewarded by being self-sufficient, productive, and able to survive in the real world. Some of us studied hard as we became interested in the stiff competition for grades and honors.
“While these motivations for learning played important roles at different times in our lives, if they are our only motivations, we will stop learning when our parents or teachers are gone and our degrees are earned. Lifelong learners are driven by more eternal motives.”—Elder Robert D. Hales
“Beyond increasing our occupational qualifications, we should desire to learn how to become more emotionally fulfilled, more skilled in our personal relationships, and better parents and citizens. There are few things more fulfilling and fun than learning something new. Great happiness, satisfaction, and financial rewards come from this. An education is not limited to formal study. Lifelong learning can increase our ability to appreciate and relish the workings and beauty of the world around us. This kind of learning goes well beyond books and a selective use of new technology, such as the Internet. It includes artistic endeavors. It also includes experiences with people and places: conversations with friends, visits to museums and concerts, and opportunities for service. We should expand ourselves and enjoy the journey.” —President Dallin H. Oaks
