Quotes from David O. McKay

I never think of death: I am too busy thinking of life.

The true purpose of life is the perfection of humanity through individual effort, under the guidance of God's inspiration.

The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place nor fulfill its essential functions.

"We don't take sufficient time to meditate." I get up early in the morning...five o'clock, when my mind and spirit are clear and rested. Then I meditate.

Being a parent is the greatest trust that has been given to human beings.

Trust is greater than love.

True education is awakening a love for truth...opening the eyes of the soul to the great purpose and end of life.

There is a crying need today to have this truth heralded throughout the land that youth especially may appreciate and hold the freedom of the individual as sacred as did our revolutionary fathers.

The world is hungry to hear the truth. ... We have it. Are we equal to the task-to the responsibility God has placed upon us?

Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give.

True Christianity is love in action.

Only to the extent that men desire peace and brotherhood can the world be made better. No peace even though temporarily obtained, will be permanent, whether to individuals or nations, unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles.

Always remember that a soldier's pack is lighter than a slave's chains.

Wisdom is the right application of knowledge; and true education...is the application of knowledge to the development of a noble and Godlike character.

Pleasure is not the purpose of man's existence. Joy is.

As precious as life itself is our heritage of individual freedom, for man's free agency is a God-given gift.

The purpose of the church is to make bad men good and good men better.

Man's greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others.

We must not close our eyes to the fact that there are conspiring men who would pollute young boys, and girls of corresponding age, for sake of increasing profits.

A man who cannot control his temper is not very likely to control his passions.

Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.

The greatest work we will ever do will be within the walls of our home.

True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men. This is the spirit of missionary work

The home is the first and most effective place to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control, the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home.