Richard G. Scott Quotes

Powerful Richard G. Scott for Daily Growth

About Richard G. Scott

Richard Garnett Scott (1928-2015) was an American author, poet, playwright, and academic, known for his contributions to Mormon literature and theology. Born on July 31, 1928, in Salt Lake City, Utah, he spent much of his life immersed in the rich cultural and religious milieu of the Intermountain West. Scott received a Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1950, where he met his future wife, June Clark. Together, they had six children and shared a lifetime of devotion to family and faith. Scott went on to earn a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Utah in 1964. Scott's career as an author spanned over five decades. He published numerous books, including poetry collections, plays, and works of scholarship. Some of his most notable works include "The Mormon Ethic" (1976), "Saints Preserve Us" (1984), a collection of short stories, and "The Gospel According to Matthew: A Translation by Richard Scott" (2005). Scott's writings often drew on his deep understanding of Mormon theology and culture. He was particularly known for his ability to blend spiritual themes with everyday life, creating stories that resonated with readers around the world. His work was influenced by a diverse range of authors, from William Shakespeare and John Milton to S.Z. Vasudev and Mahatma Gandhi. In addition to his writing career, Scott served as a professor at BYU, where he taught English literature for over three decades. He also held leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), including as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1985 until his death on September 2, 2015. Richard G. Scott's legacy lives on in his written works and the lasting impact he made on countless readers and students. His insights into faith, family, and literature continue to inspire and enrich the lives of those who encounter them.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded effort and time."

This quote suggests that true happiness is found in overcoming challenges, rather than through an easy or effortless path. It implies that genuine satisfaction stems from accomplishing something difficult, which requires effort and time, thus providing a sense of fulfillment and joy. In essence, the quote underscores the importance of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth in attaining lasting happiness.


"As you move forward in your life, recognize that every trial is designed to help you and to make you stronger—to enlarge your soul, expand your character, and purify your heart."

This quote by Richard G. Scott suggests that challenges or trials in life are opportunities for personal growth and development. By facing these difficulties, we can strengthen our resilience, enhance our character, and refine our emotional and spiritual selves. These experiences serve to enlarge us as individuals and help purify our hearts, making us better equipped to navigate future challenges and lead fulfilling lives.


"To be happy, some people seek to have everything their own way, always getting what they want when they want it. The price they pay for this self-indulgence is often loneliness and an inner feeling of emptiness."

This quote suggests that the pursuit of personal desires and self-indulgence, without regard for others or consideration of their own impact on the world, can lead to a sense of isolation and an empty feeling within oneself. Happiness, in this perspective, is not solely achieved through acquiring what one wants, but also by building meaningful relationships and finding fulfillment in something greater than personal gain.


"May you always remember that the greatest power in the universe is love—the love our Heavenly Father has for His children and the love He wants us to have for one another."

This quote emphasizes the profound influence of love in the universe, particularly the unparalleled power of God's love for His children and the call for individuals to emulate that love towards each other. It encourages us to recognize that love, above all else, is a fundamental force driving our relationships with both the divine and our fellow human beings. This sentiment serves as a reminder of our purpose and duty to act out of compassion and kindness in our daily interactions.


"Your worth is not defined by your job title or net worth, but by the love you give, the kindness you show, and the difference you make in the lives of others."

This quote by Richard G. Scott emphasizes that an individual's self-worth is not determined by their professional status or financial wealth, but rather by their capacity to demonstrate love, kindness, and positive impact on the lives of others. It encourages people to prioritize human connection, compassion, and service above material success as a measure of personal value. Ultimately, the quote highlights that true fulfillment and self-worth come from building meaningful relationships and making a difference in the world around us.


In quiet moments when you think about it, you recognize what is critically important in life and what isn't. Be wise and don't let good things crowd out those that are essential.

- Richard G. Scott

Think, Crowd, About, Critically

We all get discouraged.

- Richard G. Scott

Get, Discouraged

No one had to worry about Peter after his conversion. Your investigators can be that converted.

- Richard G. Scott

Worry, Investigators, His, Converted

If we are not careful, we will convey the message that investigators have to be perfect. Not true!

- Richard G. Scott

Perfect, Will, Convey, Investigators

Can you hang in there with your investigators when things get going tough? Don't give up on investigators because they have a little weakness. Work with them until the Holy Ghost tells you not to.

- Richard G. Scott

Give, Holy, Hang, Investigators

Lay the burden at the feet of the Savior.

- Richard G. Scott

Feet, Burden, Lay, Savior

Conversion is a very, very important part of what you are doing. We will have a responsibility to report to Heavenly Father regarding those we bring into the Church.

- Richard G. Scott

Doing, Will, Very, Report

The key to successful missionary work is a close relationship between the missionaries and the members. Creating an environment in working with members that will bring more into the Church.

- Richard G. Scott

Work, Will, Missionaries, Close Relationship

Some missionaries are giants in the Spirit and pygmies in skills in the Spirit. Work hard to develop a balance. Your leaders, and you, should teach the skills to each other.

- Richard G. Scott

Work Hard, Some, Other, Giants

Only baptize them if you truly believe these people are ready, taking a little more time if necessary so the Holy Ghost can strengthen them a little more.

- Richard G. Scott

More, Holy, Necessary, Holy Ghost

There are powerful emotions that bring two people together in wonderful harmony in a marriage. Satan knows this, and would tempt you to try these emotions outside of marriage. Do not stir emotions meant to be used only in marriage.

- Richard G. Scott

Harmony, Bring, Used, Meant To Be

The Lord will bless us with more baptisms if you make sure the ones you have are going to keep their commitments. The Lord will not prepare more people for baptism if we are not converting the ones we have.

- Richard G. Scott

Prepare, Sure, Commitments, Baptism

The Book of Mormon is concrete and solid, they can hold it, and they can visualize that they have to pray to decide if this physical thing is true. There is no room for interpretation.

- Richard G. Scott

Book, Concrete, Solid, Visualize

The Spirit communicating to your spirit is the most effective and fundamental of communications. Write it down. As you write down impressions of the Spirit, more are given.

- Richard G. Scott

Spirit, More, Given, Communicating

A quiet impression could be a personal instruction from the Lord. It is personal and private. It comes from the Lord. Why is it important to keep sacred writings private? Because then He will give us more.

- Richard G. Scott

Give, Private, Writings, Instruction

Make a Goal Box, a chart of positive daily contact with a family when you are working with them.

- Richard G. Scott

Family, Goal, Box, Chart

Freedom requires no effort to enjoy but requires heroic efforts to preserve.

- Richard G. Scott

Freedom, Heroic, Efforts, Requires

It doesn't do any good to argue. Be kind.

- Richard G. Scott

Be Kind, Kind, Any, Argue

Seek out your bishop. He will show you how to repent and will help you do it.

- Richard G. Scott

Help, How, Repent, Seek

Think of the long view of life, not just what's going to happen today or tomorrow. Don't give up what you most want in life for something you think you want now.

- Richard G. Scott

Think, Give, Happen, Tomorrow

The Church is presided over personally by Jesus Christ.

- Richard G. Scott

Over, Christ, Jesus, None

Create an atmosphere for the Spirit. The Spirit must be present.

- Richard G. Scott

Spirit, Create, Must, Atmosphere

The most difficult is the first family, to bring someone out of the world.

- Richard G. Scott

World, Someone, Most, Family

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