Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009
“For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it's a commandment. We are to learn 'of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad' (see D&C 88:79–80).”
Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009
“Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And we will need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. We cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or to listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark.”
L. Tom Perry, "By the Hands of His Prophets," Ensign, Aug. 1998
"We want also to be alive in the cause of education. We are commanded of the Lord to obtain knowledge, both by study and by faith, seeking it out of the best books. And it becomes us to teach our children, and afford them instruction in every branch of education calculated to promote their welfare, leaving those false acquirements which tend to . . . lead away the mind and affection from the things of God. We want to compile the intelligence and literacy of this people in book-form, as well as in teaching and preaching; adopting all the good and useful books we can obtain; . . . instead of doing as many of the world do, take the works of God, to try to prove that there is no God; we want to prove by God's works that he does exist, that he lives and rules and holds us, as it were, in the hollow of his hand' (Deseret News Weekly, 5 June 1878, 275).
Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009
“To keep spiritual learning in its proper place, we will have to make some hard choices of how we use our time. But there should never be a conscious choice to let the spiritual become secondary. Never. That will lead to tragedy. Remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision.”
Thomas S. Monson, “Three Gates Only You Can Open,” New Era, Aug. 2008
“In academic preparation, I have found it a good practice to read a text with the idea that I will be asked to explain that which the author wrote and its application to the subject it covered. Also, I have tried to be attentive in any lecture in the classroom and to pretend that I would be called upon to present the same lecture to others. While this practice is very hard work, it certainly helps during test week!”
M. Russell Ballard, “Learning the Lessons of the Past,” Ensign, May 2009
“Learning the lessons of the past allows you to walk boldly in the light without running the risk of stumbling in the darkness. This is the way it’s supposed to work. This is God’s plan: father and mother, grandfather and grandmother teaching their children; children learning from them and then becoming a more righteous generation through their own personal experiences and opportunities. Learning the lessons of the past allows you to build personal testimony on a solid bedrock of obedience, faith, and the witness of the Spirit.”
Thomas S. Monson, “Life’s Greatest Decisions,” CES Fireside for Young Adults, Sept. 7, 2003
“Study and prepare for your life’s work in a field that you enjoy, because you are going to spend a good share of your life in that field. . . .Have discipline in your preparations. Have checkpoints where you can determine if you’re on course. I hope that you are not afraid of tough classes. I never did have a ‘cinch’ class. I hope that you are not afraid of lengthy periods of preparation. Burn the midnight oil. Don’t procrastinate like my older sister, who after a late date rationalized, ‘I have a test tomorrow, but I am weary. What is more important, my health or my test? Aha, my health! I need my sleep.’ So she slept. I won’t say what happened to the test. You simply have to apply yourself. I hope that you want to be so well equipped that you can compete in this competitive world. I hope that you will learn to take responsibility for your decisions, whether they be in your courses of study which you elect to take, or whether they be in the direction of the academic attainments which you strive to achieve. Should you become discouraged or feel burdened down, remember that others have passed this same way; they have endured and then have achieved. When we have done all that we are able to do, we can then rely on God’s promised help.”
Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002
"Your life is carefully watched over, as was mine. The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all-knowing. So you can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize those opportunities perfectly, as I did not. But when you put the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder. You will recognize later that your power to serve was increased, and you will be grateful."
Gordon B. Hinckley, "Rise Up, O Men of God," Ensign, Nov. 2006
"The Lord has mandated that this people get all the education they can. He has been very clear about this. . . . ". . . And so I say to you young men, rise up and discipline yourself to take advantage of educational opportunities."
Thomas S. Monson, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," Ensign, Nov. 2004
"We do live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, for a variety of reasons, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should such a situation arise, you are prepared”
Personal Statement:
Growing up, education was a principle that was important to me. It wasn’t until I served a mission that I realized the importance of education. In today’s world, the job market is tough. Those who have pursued their schooling will be ahead of those who didn’t. We cannot just one day wish that we knew everything and all of a sudden know it. This is not how the Lord works. The Lord wants us to learn principle “line upon line.” Throughout this life and the eternities, we will be in the learning process. If we stop, we will not be able to become like our Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father is all knowing and He received this knowledge just as we are today. Becoming like our Heavenly Father includes always increasing our education. This is a commandment that the Lord has taught through His servants and so it is something that all people must always pursue.
