Brigham Young the second modern day prophet of The Church of Latter-day Saints and founder of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah said the following:
I cannot say that I would recommend the reading of all books, for it is not all books which are good. Read good books, and extract from them wisdom and understanding as much as you possibly can aided by the Spirit of God. [Cited in Susan Young Gates. Life of Brigham Young. (Freeport, New York: Books for Libraries Press, 1971), p. 218].
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‘Education,’ he once told this school’s Board of Regents, ‘is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world’s work, and the power to appreciate life’ (Bennion, p. 115). He advised: ‘A good school teacher is one of the most essential members in society’ (JD 10:225)” (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. [1992], 2:442-43). (quoted by Elder Eyring in October 2002, Ensign, page 15)
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If man would be great in goodness, they must be intelligent, for no man can do good unless he knows how; therefore, seek after knowledge, all knowledge, and especially that which is from above, which is wisdom to direct in all things, and if you find anything that God does not know, you need not learn that thing; but strive to know what God knows, and use that knowledge as God uses it, and then you will be like him; will see as you are seen, and know as you are known; and have charity, love one another, and do each other good continually, and for ever, even as for yourselves.
But if a man have all knowledge, and does not use it for good, it will prove a curse instead of a blessing as it did to Lucifer, the Son of the Morning. If a sinner is advised to repent, and be baptized for remission of his sins, and does it not, it will prove to his condemnation instead of a blessing, and he cannot receive the laying on of the hands of the Elders for the reception of the Holy Ghost. (First Presidency [Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards]. Millennial Star, January 15, 1852, 14:17-25.)
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Every art and science known and studied by the children of men is comprised within the Gospel. Where did the knowledge come from which has enabled man to accomplish such great achievements in science and mechanism within the last few years? We know that knowledge is from God, but why do they not acknowledge him? Because they are blind to their own interests, they do not see and understand things as they are. Who taught men to chain the lightning? Did man unaided of himself discover that? No, he received the knowledge from the Supreme Being. From him, too, has every art and science proceeded, although the credit is given to this individual, and that individual. But where did they get the knowledge from, have they it in and of themselves? No, they must acknowledge that, if they cannot make one spear of grass grow, nor one hair white or black without artificial aid, they are dependent upon the Supreme Being just the same as the poor and the ignorant. Where have we received the knowledge to construct the labor-saving machinery for which the present age is remarkable? From Heaven. Where have we received our knowledge of astronomy, or the power to make glasses to penetrate the immensity of space? We received it from the same Being that Moses, and those who were before him, received their knowledge from; the same Being who told Noah that the world should be drowned and its people destroyed. From him has every astronomer, artist and mechanician that ever lived on the earth obtained his knowledge. By him, too, has the power to receive from one another been bestowed, and to search into the deep things pertaining to this earth and every principle connected with it. [Discourse of Brigham Young (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 1954). p. 246]
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We might ask, when shall we cease to learn? I will give you my opinion about it: never, never. [Discourse of Brigham Young (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 1954). (p. 249)
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"Mothers, let your minds be sanctified before the Lord, for this is the commencement, the true foundation of a proper education in your children, the beginning point to from a disposition in your offspring, that will bring honor, glory, comfort, and satisfaction to you all your life time." Brigham Young
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"What is it [education] for? The improvement of the mind; to instruct us in all arts and sciences, in the history of the world, in the laws of nations; to enable us to understand the principles of life, and how to be useful while we live." (From Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 14:83.)
Last update: November, 2006
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