David O. Mckay Quotes

Powerful David O. Mckay for Daily Growth

About David O. Mckay

David Oliver McKay (1896-1974) was an influential American religious leader, businessman, and author who served as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1951 to 1970. Born on July 8, 1896, in Salt Lake City, Utah, McKay was the fifth child of David O. McKay Sr., a prominent LDS Church leader, and Zina Young McKay, the granddaughter of Brigham Young, the second President of the LDS Church. Growing up amidst religious influences, McKay's faith deepened during his youth, particularly through his missionary service in England from 1917 to 1919. After completing his education at the University of Utah and Columbia University Law School, McKay worked as a lawyer in Salt Lake City while also serving in various church positions. In 1924, he was called as a member of the LDS Church's First Quorum of Seventy, a position he held for 27 years before his call to be the Church President. As an author, McKay is best known for his book "The Book of Mormon: An Abridgment in Modern English," published in 1950. His simplified version of the sacred text aimed to make it more accessible to a wider audience. Other notable works include "Pathways to Happiness" and "Gospel Ideals." As the President of the LDS Church, McKay focused on expanding the church worldwide, overseeing the construction of numerous temples, and promoting the faith through media outlets such as television and radio. He also played a significant role in the LDS Church's involvement in the civil rights movement. David O. McKay passed away on January 3, 1974, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a revered religious leader, author, and influential figure in Mormonism. His quotes, such as "The greatest challenge to any people is to have no history," encapsulate his commitment to building a strong and virtuous community.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The purpose of life is to make life better for people yet unborn."

This quote by David O. McKay underscores a deeply rooted human responsibility: to ensure progress, improvement, and care for future generations. It emphasizes the idea that our actions today should be guided by the desire to create a better world for those who will come after us. By living with compassion, sustainability, and wisdom, we strive to leave a positive legacy and make a lasting impact on humanity's collective journey.

"May the works of our hands be the only text we ever write which men will read."

This quote emphasizes the importance of actions over words, suggesting that the true measure of a person lies in their deeds rather than their spoken or written words. In essence, McKay is advocating for a life lived with integrity, where one's character and values are demonstrated through practical actions and achievements, as opposed to mere rhetoric or promises. The idea is that people should strive to make a positive impact on the world around them by being productive and contributing to society in meaningful ways.

"Success is the child of drudgery and perseverance. There's no royal road to anything worth having or worth doing."

This quote by David O. Mckay highlights that success is not a quick, effortless process but rather the result of hard work (drudgery) and persistent determination (perseverance). It suggests that there are no shortcuts to achieving something valuable or worthwhile; it takes time, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to see things through. In essence, he emphasizes the importance of putting in the necessary effort and staying focused on one's goals, even when faced with challenges.

"We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to pay its cost when peace is at stake."

This quote by David O. McKay emphasizes a commitment to integrity and courage in the pursuit of truth, even when it involves personal or societal challenges. It underscores the importance of standing up for what is right, especially during times of conflict or disagreement, and being willing to bear any associated costs for the sake of peace and harmony. This principle encourages individuals to maintain an unwavering dedication to honesty and justice in all aspects of life, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.

"Every great achievement was once considered impossible."

This quote emphasizes that every significant accomplishment or milestone, which we now regard as great achievements, were initially perceived as impossible. It underscores the human capacity for pushing boundaries and overcoming obstacles. In other words, it suggests that the barriers to progress are often self-imposed and can be surmounted with determination, innovation, and perseverance.

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

Living, Christ, May, Pointed

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

Foundation, Nations, Extent, Temporarily

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

- David O. McKay

Gift, Precious, Free Agency, God-Given

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

- David O. McKay

Freedom, Give, More, Treasured

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

Night, Rising, Blackness, Malice

Let us realize that: the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the love of work is success!

- David O. McKay

Love, Work, Gift, Blessing

Into the soul of every student I would have instilled the patriotic fervor of Patrick Henry.

- David O. McKay

Patriotism, Patriotic, Henry, Instilled

Happiness and peace will come to earth only as the light of love and human compassion enter the souls of men.

- David O. McKay

Love, Will, Souls, Enter

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

Individual, May, Fathers, Crying

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

- David O. McKay

Rest, Leave, Unto, Duty

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