Education

Selected Teachings

Prepare for the Future

President Gordon B. Hinckley

To the priesthood. “Be smart about training your minds and hands for the future. … You have an obligation to make the most of your life. Plan now for all the education you can get, and then work to bring to pass a fulfillment of that plan.

“You live in a complex age. The world needs men and women of ability and training. Do not short-circuit your education.

“I am not suggesting that all of you should become professional men. What I am suggesting is this: whatever you choose to do, train for it. Qualify yourselves. … Regardless of the vocation you choose, you can speed your journey in getting there through education. …

“Be smart. Do not forfeit the schooling that will enhance your future in order to satisfy your desire for immediate, fleeting pleasure. Cultivate the long view of your life. Most of you are going to be around for a good while” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1981, 57; or Ensign, Nov. 1981, 40).

“We believe in the training of our youth, girls as well as boys. …

“You have available to you tremendous opportunities for training your minds and your hands. You will wish for marriage and the companionship of a good husband. But none of us can foretell the future. Prepare yourselves for any eventuality. …

“Hopefully, most of you will marry. But the training you have received will not have been in vain. It will be a blessing whether you be single or married” (“Live up to Your Inheritance,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 82).

“The world into which you will move will be terribly competitive. You need to increase your education, to refine your skills, to hone your abilities so that you may fill responsibilities of consequence in the society of which you will become a part” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 100; or Ensign, May 1992, 71).

Elder L. Tom Perry

“Careers are ever changing. They tell me that young people entering the workforce today will have major career changes maybe three or four times during their work life. Job changes will occur even more frequently, even ten to twelve times during a life’s work cycle. … The instability in the world today makes it imperative that we take heed of the counsel and prepare for the future” (in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 47; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 36–37).

Elder Russell M. Nelson

“Opportunities for development of spiritual and intellectual potential are equal. Masculinity has no monopoly on the mind, and femininity has no exclusive dominion over the heart. The highest titles of human achievement—teacher, educated professional, loyal employee, faithful friend, student of the scriptures, child of God, disciple of Christ, trusted companion, loving parent—are earned under a uniform requirement of worthiness” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 25; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 21).

“I remember my moment of resolution many years ago when, as an untrained teenager, I secured temporary employment at Christmastime. The work was monotonous. Each hour and each day passed slowly. I resolved then and there that I must obtain an education that would qualify me better for life. I determined to stay in school and work for an education as though my very life depended upon it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 6).

Bishop Victor L. Brown

“We should teach our children the importance of schooling as a help in discovering how to think and to learn” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 117; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 81).

Importance of Education for Women

Elder Russell M. Nelson

“A wise woman renews herself. In proper season, she develops her talents and continues her education. She musters the discipline to reach her goals. She dispels darkness and opens windows of truth to light her way.

“A woman teaches priorities by precept and example. Recently I watched a television program in which a female lawyer was being interviewed. She was at home with her child on a full-time basis. When asked of her decision, she replied, ‘Oh, I may go back to the law sometime, but not now. For me, the issue is simple. Any lawyer could take care of my clients, but only I should be the mother of this child.’

“Such a decision is made not in terms of rights but in terms of obligations and responsibilities. She knows that as she rises to meet responsibilities, rights will take care of themselves” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 26–27; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 21).