Harold B. Lee Quotes

Powerful Harold B. Lee for Daily Growth

About Harold B. Lee

Harold Burton Lee (1899-1973) was an eminent religious leader, educator, and author in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Born on February 8, 1899, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to David O. Lee and Emily Cannon Lee, Harold B. Lee's upbringing was deeply rooted in Mormon culture and values. In 1920, he married his sweetheart, Camilla Hafen, and they went on to have seven children together. Lee earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah before attending Columbia Law School in New York City. However, he left law school to serve as a missionary for the LDS Church in England. Lee's career within the LDS Church began in earnest when he was called as president of the Utah Salt Lake Mission in 1937. He later served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one of the highest governing bodies of the LDS Church, from 1945 until his death. Known for his wisdom and devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ, Lee wrote extensively throughout his life. His most influential works include "The Teachings of Harold B. Lee," a compilation of his sermons and addresses, and "Stand Ye in Holy Places," a book focused on understanding the role of individuals within the church and society. On December 9, 1973, Harold B. Lee was called as the tenth president of the LDS Church, serving until his death just two months later on December 26, 1973. His legacy continues to inspire members of the church and beyond with his unwavering faith and dedication to living a Christ-centered life.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Never be unmindful of the future; this is the time to prepare to meet the needs of the eternal tomorrow."

This quote by Harold B. Lee emphasizes the importance of being mindful and proactive in our present actions, as they significantly impact our future. It's a call to recognize that our current decisions and behaviors will shape the circumstances we face in the future, both immediate and long-term. By preparing thoughtfully today, we can better meet the needs and challenges of tomorrow, ensuring our continued growth and well-being. In essence, it encourages us to think beyond the present moment and invest in our future self.


"If you think you are leading and no one is following, then you just took a wrong turn."

This quote emphasizes that effective leadership requires followers; if there's no one following, it suggests that the leader has lost their way or is not providing a clear and compelling vision. In other words, true leadership involves guiding others towards a shared goal or purpose, and a lack of followers indicates misdirection or ineffective leadership.


"Let us remember our responsibility to serve those who are dependent upon us—the unborn, the born, and the unborn again—for they are the living generations which make up the great continuity of life of which we are but a brief interlude."

This quote by Harold B. Lee emphasizes our duty as individuals to care for and serve all stages of human life – the unborn, those currently alive (the born), and future generations (the unborn again). He encourages us to recognize that we are part of a continuous chain of life, and our actions today can impact the well-being of those who will come after us. It's a call for responsibility, compassion, and thoughtfulness in our daily lives.


"Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."

This quote by Harold B. Lee emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life over achieving success in less meaningful pursuits. It suggests that the greatest fear one should have is not the risk of failure, but the possibility of investing time, energy, and resources into objectives that don't contribute significantly to personal growth or happiness in the long run. In essence, this quote encourages people to focus on what truly matters to them and strive for success in those areas.


"Forget not that when Moses stood before the burnishing fire he was as helpless as you and I."

This quote serves to remind us that great leaders, like Moses, were ordinary individuals who achieved extraordinary things, just like anyone else. Despite their accomplishments, they faced challenges and hardships, symbolized by the burnishing fire, and relied on divine guidance or inner strength to overcome them. It encourages us to have faith in our own potential, understanding that we too can rise above adversity when we persist with determination and trust in a higher power.


My humble prayer is that all men everywhere may understand more fully the significance of the atonement of the Savior of all mankind, who has given us the plan of salvation which will lead us into eternal life, where God and Christ dwell.

- Harold B. Lee

Humble, Dwell, Salvation, Significance

The laws of God given to mankind are embodied in the gospel plan, and the Church of Jesus Christ is made responsible for teaching these laws to the world.

- Harold B. Lee

Mankind, Laws, Given, Gospel

The most important message that I can give to you and to all the world is to keep the commandments of God.

- Harold B. Lee

Give, The Most Important, Commandments

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