Quotes By David O. McKay | LDS Quotations

As Christ lived after death so shall all men live, each taking his place in the next world for which he has best fitted himself. The message of the resurrection, therefore, is the most comforting, the most glorious ever given to man, for when death takes a loved one from us, our sorrowing hearts are assuaged by the hope and the divine assurance expressed in the words: “He is not here: he is risen.” Because our Redeemer lives, so shall we. I bear you witness that he does live. I know it, as I hope you know that divine truth. May all mankind some day have that faith.

David O. McKay | Gospel Ideals, p. 48

Topics: Death, Jesus Christ, Physical, Resurrection

“The purpose of the gospel is to make bad men good and good men better.”

David O. McKay

Topics: Becoming like God, Inspirational Quotes, Motivational Quotes, Perfection, Potential, Purpose

“Character is the aim of true education; and science, history, and literature are but means used to accomplish the desired end. Character is not the result of chance work but of continuous right thinking and right acting. . . . True education seeks, then to make men and women not only good mathematicians, proficient linguists, profound scientists, or brilliant literary lights, but also honest men, combined with virtue, temperance, and brotherly love — men and women who prize truth, justice, wisdom, benevolence, and self-control as the choicest acquisitions of a successful life. . . It is regrettable, not to say deplorable, that modern education so little emphasizes these fundamental elements of true character. The principal aim of many of our schools and colleges seems to be to give the students purely intellectual attainments and to give but passing regard to the nobler and more necessary development along moral lines.”

David O. McKay | Gospel Ideals p. 440-441

Topics: Character, Education, Intelligence, Knowledge, Science, Self-mastery

“Let us instruct young people who come to us, first, young men throughout the Church, to know that a woman should be queen of her own body. The marriage covenant does not give the man the right to enslave her, or to abuse her, or to use her merely for the gratification of his passion. Your marriage ceremony does not give you that right”

David O. McKay | Conference Report, Apr. 1952, 86

Topics: Abuse, Body (Physical), Sex, Sin

The greatest need in the world today is faith in God and courage to do his will.

David O. McKay | Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, p. 171

Topics: Courage, Faith, Missionary Work & Preparation

“If at this moment each one of you were asked to state in one sentence the most distinguishing feature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what would be your answer? My answer would be divine authority by direct revelation.”

David O. McKay | Conference Report, April 1937

Topics: Priesthood, Restoration, Revelation

“Happiness is the purpose and design of existence.”

David O. McKay | Pathways to Happiness

Topics: Happiness, Joy, Plan of Salvation, Purpose

“No other success can compensate for failure in the home.”

David O. McKay | Conference April 1935

Topics: Family, Goals, Parenting

I . . . beheld in a vision something infinitely sublime. In the distance I beheld a beautiful white city. Though far away, yet I seemed to realize that trees with luscious fruit, shrubbery with gorgeously-tinted leaves, and flowers in perfect bloom abounded everywhere. The clear sky above seemed to reflect these beautiful shades of color. I then saw a great concourse of people approaching the city. Each one wore a white flowing robe, and a white headdress. Instantly my attention seemed centered upon their Leader, and though I could see only the profile of his features and his body, I recognized him at once as my Savior! The tint and radiance of his countenance were glorious to behold! There was a peace about him which seemed sublime – it was divine! The city, I understood, was his. It was the City Eternal; and the people following him were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness. But who were they? As if the Savior read my thoughts, he answered by pointing to a semicircle that then appeared above them, and on which were written in gold the words: “These Are They Who Have Overcome The World – Who Have Truly Been Born Again!”

David O. McKay | Cherished Experiences, p. 102

Topics: Heaven, Jesus Christ, Resurrection

“Marriage is a relationship that cannot survive selfishness, impatience, domineering, inequality, and lack of respect. Marriage is a relationship that thrives on acceptance, equality, sharing, giving, helping, doing one’s part, learning together, enjoying humor.”

David O. McKay | Experiencing Happiness in Marriage

Topics: Marriage