110+ David O. Mckay Quotes On Family, Meditation And Work

David O. McKay was an American clergyman who served as the ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 until his death in 1970. He was known for his strong commitment to education, family life, and missionary work. He also helped to expand the church's presence in many countries around the world. Following is our collection on famous quotes by David O. Mckay on family, meditation, work.

Top 10 David O. Mckay Quotes

1. Let us realize that: the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the love of work is success!
2. I'm going to tell you the most important secret of human life. The most critical need of the human soul is to be kind.
3. Your thoughts are the architects of your destiny.
4. Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.
5. Being a parent is the greatest trust that has been given to human beings.
6. Happiness and peace will come to earth only as the light of love and human compassion enter the souls of men.
7. I think it must be apparent to every thinking mind that the noblest of all professions is that of teaching, and that upon the effectiveness of that teaching hangs the destiny of nations.
8. Children are more influenced by sermons you act than by sermons you preach.
9. Let husband and wife never speak to one another in loud tones,unless the house is on fire.
10. Happiness consists not of having, but of being. It is a warm glow of the heart at peace with itself.

David O. Mckay Short Quotes

• The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.
• Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.
• The best means of preaching the gospel is by personal contact.
• To be ignorant of one's own ignorance is to be in an unprogressive, uninspired state of existence.
• Anger itself does more harm than the condition which aroused anger.
• What you think about when you don't have to think, shows what you really are.
• Pleasure is not the purpose of man's existence. Joy is.
• The greatest need in the world today is faith in God and courage to do His will.
• The purpose of the church is to make bad men good and good men better.
• The first condition of happiness is a clear conscience.

David O. Mckay Quotes About Family

No other success [in life] can compensate for failure in the home. — David O. Mckay

True motherhood is the noblest call of the world, and we look with sorrow upon the practice here in our own United States of limiting families, a tendency creeping into our own Church. — David O. Mckay

The greatest work we will ever do will be within the walls of our home. — David O. Mckay

When harmony, mutual consideration and trust pass out of the home, hell enters in. — David O. Mckay

There is no success which can compensate for the failure of the family. — David O. Mckay

David O. Mckay Quotes About Work

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 — David O. Mckay

Men may yearn for peace, cry for peace, and work for peace, but there will be no peace until they follow the path pointed out by the Living Christ. He is the true light of men's lives. — David O. Mckay

This is the number one responsibility of the Latter-day Saints - to get in the struggle to preserve freedom. Everywhere that Communism succeeds, missionary work, temple work, everything the Church does, dies. Your number one responsibility is to preserve freedom. — David O. Mckay

Sincere prayer implies that when we ask for any virtue or blessing, we should work for the blessing and cultivate the virtue. — David O. Mckay

David O. Mckay Quotes About Inspirational

Among life's sweetest blessings is fellowship with men and women whose ideals and aspirations are high and noble. Next to a sense of kinship with God comes the helpfulness, encouragement, and inspiration of friends. — David O. Mckay

I believe that only through a truly educated citizenry can the ideals that inspired the Founding Fathers of our nation be preserved and perpetuated. — David O. Mckay

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

David O. Mckay Quotes About Peace

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. — David O. Mckay

There are seeds of happiness planted in every human soul. Our mental attitude and disposition constitute the environment in which these seeds may germinate. — David O. Mckay

True liberty in individuals consists in the enjoying of every right that will contribute to one's peace and happiness, so long as the exercise of such a privilege does not interfere with the same privilege in others. — David O. Mckay

[Liberty] is freedom of choice, a divine gift, an essential virtue in a peaceful society. — David O. Mckay

Peace springs from righteousness in the soul, from upright living. — David O. Mckay

David O. Mckay Quotes About Freedom

Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give. — David O. Mckay

I repeat that no greater immediate responsibility rests upon members of the Church, upon all citizens of this republic and of neighboring republics than to protect the freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States. — David O. Mckay

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

Today, as never before, the issue is clearly defined-liberty and freedom of choice, or oppression and subjugation for the individual and for nations. — David O. Mckay

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. — David O. Mckay

The two most important documents affecting the destiny of America are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Both these immortal papers relate primarily to the freedom of the individual. — David O. Mckay

David O. Mckay Quotes About Individual

Among the immediate obligations and duties resting upon members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today, and one of the most urgent and pressing for attention and action of all liberty loving people, is the preservation of individual liberty. — David O. Mckay

Misrepresentation, false propaganda, innuendoes soon sprout into poisonous weeds, and before long the people find themselves victims of a pollution that has robbed them of their individual liberty and enslaved them to a group of political gangsters. — David O. Mckay

As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts. We must not encourage vile thoughts or low aspirations. We shall radiate them if we do. If we think noble thoughts, if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them. — David O. Mckay

Free agency is a gift of God....The world does not comprehend the significance of that divine gift to the individual. It is as inherent as intelligence which, we are told, has never been nor can be created — David O. Mckay

David O. Mckay Quotes About Love

Every noble impulse, every unselfish expression of love, every surrender of self to something higher than self, every loyalty to an ideal, every fine courage of the soul – by doing good for good’s sake – that is spirituality. – — David O. Mckay

True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior's doctrine of losing one's life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service. — David O. Mckay

True education seeks to make men and women not only good mathematicians, proficient linguists, profound scientists, or brilliant literary lights, but also honest men and women with virtue, temperance, and brotherly love. — David O. Mckay

Friendship is a sacred possession. As air, water and sunshine to flowers, trees and verdure, so smiles, sympathy and love of friends to the daily life of man. To live, laugh, love one's friends, and be loved by them is to bask in the sunshine of life. — David O. Mckay

A girl who sacrifices self-respect for social popularity debases true womanhood. A spotless character, founded upon the ability to say "no" in the presence of those who mock and jeer, wins the respect and love of men and women whose opinion is most worthwhile. — David O. Mckay

When a Father takes the child by the hand, he takes the Mother by the Heart.... The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. — David O. Mckay

Trust is greater than love. — David O. Mckay

True Christianity is love in action. — David O. Mckay

David O. Mckay Famous Quotes And Sayings

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. — David O. Mckay

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) observed that too many couples come to "marriage looking upon the marriage ceremony as the end of courtship instead of the beginning of an eternal courtship. ... Love can be starved to death as literally as the body that receives no sustenance. Love feeds upon kindness and courtesy" — David O. Mckay

The rising sun can dispel the darkness of night, but it cannot banish the blackness of malice, hatred, bigotry, and selfishness from the hearts of humanity. — David O. Mckay

Motherhood is the one thing in all the world which most truly exemplifies the God-given virtues of creating and sacrificing. Though it carries the woman close to the brink of death, motherhood also leads her into the very realm of the fountains of life and makes her co-partner with the Creator in bestowing upon eternal spirits mortal life. — David O. Mckay

True education does not consist merely in the acquiring of a few facts of science, history, literature, or art, but in the development of character. — David O. Mckay

Seek to share joy with others, or to make somebody else happy, and you will find your own soul radiant with the joy you wished for another. — David O. Mckay

The Gospel of Jesus Christ can make bad men good and good men better, can alter human nature, and can change human lives. — David O. Mckay

All good things require effort. That which is worth having will cost part of your physical being, your intellectual power and your soul power. Let us ever keep in mind that life is largely what we make it. — David O. Mckay

Youth need guidance, direction, and proper restraint...Parents, too, have a responsibility in this training not to provoke children to wrath. They should be considerate not to irritate by vexatious commands or place unreasonable blame. Whenever possible they should give encouragement rather than remonstrance or reproof. — David O. Mckay

… The most worthy calling in life is that in which man can serve best his fellow man. … The noblest aim in life is to strive to live to make other lives better and happier. — David O. Mckay

Man's earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make as his life's end and purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities — David O. Mckay

The first contributing factor to a happy home is the sublime virtue of loyalty, one of the noblest attributes of the human soul. — David O. Mckay

There are seeds of happiness in every soul. Our mental attitude and dispositions constitute the environment in which these seeds germinate. There is as much need for sunshine in our heart as for sunshine in the world. Today, as perhaps never before, mankind needs encouragement and cheer. — David O. Mckay

Character is the aim of true education; and science, history, and literature are but means used to accomplish this desired end. — David O. Mckay

It is possible to make home a bit of heaven; indeed, I picture heaven to be a continuation of the ideal home — David O. Mckay

He who harbors hatred and bitterness injures himself far more than the one towards whom he manifests these evil propensities. — David O. Mckay

Music is truly the universal language, and when it is excellently expressed how deeply it moves our souls — David O. Mckay

Man is a spiritual being, a soul, and at some period of his life everyone is possessed with an irresistible desire to know his relationship to the Infinite. . . . There is something within him which urges him to rise above himself, to control his environment, to master the body and all things physical and live in a higher and more beautiful world. — David O. Mckay

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

Next to being one in worshipping God there is nothing in this world upon which the Church should be more united that in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States — David O. Mckay

The united, well-ordered American home is one of the greatest contributing factors to the preservation of the Constitution of the United States. — David O. Mckay

No man can sincerely resolve to apply to his daily life the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth without sensing a change in his own nature. The phrase, 'born again', has a deeper significance than many people attach to it. This changed feeling may be indescribable, but it is real. — David O. Mckay

Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. Your character will grow; your faith will increase. There is a relationship between these two: the greater your faith, the stronger your character, and increased character enhances your ability to exercise even greater faith. — David O. Mckay

As with companions so with books. We may choose those which will make us better, more intelligent, more appreciative of the good and the beautiful in the world, or we may choose the trashy, the vulgar, the obscene, which will make us feel as though we've been 'wallowing in the mire. — David O. Mckay

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. — David O. Mckay

Into the soul of every student I would have instilled the patriotic fervor of Patrick Henry. — David O. Mckay

The greatest comfort in this life is having a close relationship with God. — David O. Mckay

A man may act as his conscience dictates so long as he does not infringe upon the rights of others. That is the spirit of true democracy, and all government by the Priesthood should be actuated by that same high motive. — David O. Mckay

The latest I like to be to meeting is 15 minutes early — David O. Mckay

Seeking the pleasure of conjugality without a willingness to assume the responsibilities of rearing a family is one of the onslaughts that now batter at the structure of the American home. Intelligence and mutual consideration should be ever-present factors in determining the coming of children to the home. — David O. Mckay

When the husband and wife are healthy, and free from inherited weaknesses and diseases that might be transmitted with injury to their offspring the use of contraceptives is to be condemned. — David O. Mckay

No parent can consistently teach faith in Christ who profanes the name of Deity. Profanity is never heard in the well-ordered home. Swearing is a vice that bespeaks a low standard of breeding. Blasphemous exclamations drive out all spirit of reverence. — David O. Mckay

[One] principle that actuated the lives of the fathers who founded our Constitution was faith in God. — David O. Mckay

Always remember that a soldier's pack is lighter than a slave's chains. — David O. Mckay

Everyone is possessed with an irresistible desire to know his relationship to the Infinite. — David O. Mckay

That which a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. I will know what you are if you tell me what you think about when you don't have to think. — David O. Mckay

Happiness consists not of having, but of being; not of possessing, but of enjoying. It is a warm glow of the heart at peace with itself. A martyr at the stake may have happiness that a king on his throne might envy. Man is the creator of his own happiness. It is the aroma of life, lived in harmony with high ideals. For what a man has he may be dependent upon others; what he is rests with him alone. — David O. Mckay

This age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities. — David O. Mckay

The Constitution of this government was written by men who accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior of mankind. Let men and women in these United States then continue to keep their eyes centered upon Him who ever shines as a Light to all the world. — David O. Mckay

The seeds of a happy marriage are sown in youth. Happiness does not begin at the altar; it begins during the period of youth and courtship. — David O. Mckay

Adversity itself may lead toward and not away from God and spiritual enlightenment; and privation may prove a source of strength if we can but keep a sweetness of mind and spirit. — David O. Mckay

One time or another we all face adversity's chilling wind. One man flees from it, and like an unresisting kite falls to the ground. Another yields no retreating inch, and the wind that would destroy him lifts him as readily to the heights. We are not measured by the trials we meet, only by those we overcome. — David O. Mckay

As long as the day lasts, let's give it all we got. — David O. Mckay

Thoughts that most frequently occupy the mind determine a man's course of action. — David O. Mckay

Out of the homes of America will come the future citizens of America, and only as those homes are what they should be will this nation be what it should be. — David O. Mckay

There should be no yelling in the home unless there is a fire. — David O. Mckay

It is written that he who governs well, leads the blind; But that he who teaches, gives them eyes. — David O. Mckay

The kind of life you live, your disposition, your very nature, will be determined by your thoughts, of which your acts are but the outward expression. Thought is the seed of action. — David O. Mckay

It is part of our "Mormon" theology that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired; that our Republic came into existence through wise men raised up for that very purpose. We believe it is the duty of the members of the Church to see that this Republic is not subverted either by any sudden or constant erosion of those principles which gave this Nation its birth. — David O. Mckay

A man who cannot control his temper is not very likely to control his passions. — David O. Mckay

What-e're thou art, Act well thy part. — David O. Mckay

If we would change the world, we must first change people's thoughts. — David O. Mckay

All men who have moved the world have been men who would stand true to their conscience. — David O. Mckay

Well,’ you may ask, ‘how may I know when I am in love?’ . . . George Q. Morris [who later became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave this reply]: ‘My mother once said that if you meet a girl in whose presence you feel a desire to achieve, who inspires you to do your best, and to make the most of yourself, such a young woman is worthy of your love and is awakening love in your heart. — David O. Mckay

Every member ... a missionary! — David O. Mckay

A man who cannot control his temper is not very likely to control his passions, and no matter what his pretensions in religion, he moves in daily life very close to the animal plane. — David O. Mckay

I never think of death: I am too busy thinking of life. — David O. Mckay

True happiness comes only by making others happy. — David O. Mckay

The development of our spiritual nature should concern us most. Spirituality is the highest acquisition of the soul, the divine in man; 'the supreme, crowning gift that makes him king of all created things.' It is the consciousness of victory over self and of communion with the infinite. It is spirituality alone which really gives one the best in life. — David O. Mckay

Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world. — David O. Mckay

If you would be happy, render a kind service, make somebody else happy. — David O. Mckay

Teachings and ideologies subversive to the fundamental principles of this great Republic, which are contrary to the Constitution of the United States, or which are detrimental to the progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be condemned, whether advocated by Republicans or Democrats. — David O. Mckay

No greater responsibility can rest upon a man, than to be a teacher of God's children — David O. Mckay

"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. — David O. Mckay

Life Lessons by David O. Mckay

1. David O. Mckay taught that true happiness comes from living a life of service and dedication to God and others. He encouraged people to use their talents and abilities to the fullest, and to always strive to become the best version of themselves.
2. He also taught that true success comes from living a life of integrity and virtue, and that it is important to always strive for excellence in all areas of life.
3. Finally, he taught that it is important to always be kind and generous, and to always look for ways to help and serve others.