LDS Quotes on the Importance of a College Education General and Women-Specific

LDS Quotes on the Importance of a College

EducationGeneral and Women-Specific

Revised: November 11, 2012Please contact [email protected] if you

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• 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.

Strength of Youth: Education (1 of 2)

For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth-fulfilling-our-duty-to-god/education?lang=eng

• Maintain an enthusiasm for learning throughout your life. Find joy in continuing to learn about yourself, other people, and the world around you.

Strength of Youth: Education (2 of 2)

For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth-fulfilling-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-and-education-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.


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…

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1 of 2)

Inspirational Thoughts. Retrieved from http://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/06/inspirational-thoughts?lang=eng

…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.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (2 of 2)

Inspirational Thoughts. Retrieved from http://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/06/inspirational-thoughts?lang=eng

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.”

Sister Mary N. Cook (1 of 5)

Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-women-meeting/2012/03/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-to-do?lang=eng

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.”



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



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.”



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.



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.

Henry B. Eyring (1 of 3)

Real-Life Education. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/youth/article/print?lang=eng&url=/youth/article/real-life-education

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.



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.



Education Was Our AnswerWe’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.

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…

Hollingsworth (1 of 2)

College to Career. Retrieved from http://www.mormonnewsroom.org. Ensign (April, 2009, pp. 32-35)

…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.

Hollingsworth (2 of 2)

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. ..


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.


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.”



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.”



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.”

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

“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.

President Brigham Young

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 self-doubt.

Elder Robert D. Hales

"The Journey of Lifelong Learning," in Brigham Young University 2008-2009 Speeches [2009], 2, 8-9

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.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

How Can I Become the Woman of Whom I Dream?. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/how-can-i-become-the-woman-of-whom-i-dream?lang=eng

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.

Sister Marie Hafen

Celebrating Womanhood. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/06/celebrating-womanhood?lang=eng

Anyone who uses Church teachings as an excuse for thinking women should not wholeheartedly seek an education does not understand what the Church teaches.

Sister Marie Hafen

Celebrating Womanhood. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/06/celebrating-womanhood?lang=eng

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.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Cornerstones of a Happy Home, Eternal Marriage Student Manual. Retrieved from http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/marriage35311000/selections/marriage35311000_23.pdf

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.”

Elder Richard G. Scott

What if “Plan A” Doesn’t Work? (Casey Hurley). Retrieved from http://www.byui.edu/Documents/instructional_development/Perspective/V7n2PDF/v7n2_hurley.pdf

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 100-percent 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.

President James E. Faust

How Near to the Angels. April 1998 General Conference. Retrieved from http://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/1998/04/how-near-to-the-angels?lang=eng