Speeches by Topic | Knowledge

Knowledge and education are two of the most powerful things we can acquire in this life. God has asked us to gain as much knowledge as we can because it is the only thing we can carry with us into the next life. Additionally, when we pursue knowledge, we can often use it to help others who may need assistance. Opportunities to learn are endless, and while God doesn’t expect us to know or study everything, He does expect us to put forward our best effort to learn what we can and study what we are interested in. Temporal knowledge and education are incredible assets that help prepare young adults to support themselves and their families and enable people to reach their dreams and aspirations. However, it is not the only type of knowledge God wants us to acquire. The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us know how to return to live with God again, but He doesn’t expect us to follow Him blindly. Our Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to know whether or not the teachings of Jesus Christ are true. When we read the scriptures, exercise our faith, and pray with a pure heart, we can receive an answer from the Holy Ghost to let us know if what we are learning is true. This knowledge of the gospel is essential, and when paired with our temporal education, it can help increase our faith in God. Heavenly Father wants us to learn both “by study and by faith,” incorporating elements of spiritual knowledge and our secular education in everything we do. God would not have us shun the study of science and literature in favor of only studying scripture and attending church. He wants us to have a healthy balance of both so that we can see how they complement each other. All knowledge is important to our progression in this life, both spiritual and temporal.

Elder Carlos A. Godoy of the Presidency of the Seventy

Carlos A. Godoy | March 12, 2019

You are part of the Lord’s army. You don’t need to be set apart for that. The call to stand up for the truth is not a Church calling. It is a life calling.

J. Scott Miller | October 2, 2018

There is, however, a soul-expanding kind of doubt that proceeds from an attitude of humility—the species of humility that openly admits our weaknesses. When we begin to see ourselves and our weaknesses clearly, we arrive at a state of vulnerability similar to what Joseph Smith faced as he unwittingly prepared himself for the Sacred Grove.

LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. | January 16, 2018

One of the important things that happened to me during my days as a student at BYU was that I came to appreciate what can happen as the mind and the heart, or the spirit, work together.

Liz Wiseman | January 26, 2016

I think we need to recognize that we tend to do our best work when we are on the outer edges of what we know, when we are doing something hard and new, and when we are growing through challenge.

Robert P. George | April 23, 2015

Just as both wings are necessary and must be in working order for the dove or the eagle to fly, so too both faith and reason are necessary for the intellectual and spiritual quest and for the intellectual and spiritual life.

Trenton L. Hickman | June 3, 2014

If the acquisition of knowledge is an act of humility and faith on our part that is powered by personal revelation from the Holy Ghost, then we need to do all we can to take full advantage of the gift of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

John D. Lamb | May 20, 2014

When we think of all we need to know, temporally and spiritually, it can be daunting. However, knowledge is also a great source of empowerment and comfort.

Andrew S. Gibbons | January 25, 2011

Skilled performance is a very important manifestation of human knowledge. It is a kind of knowledge that improves with use. We begin learning as a novice and gain new capability every time we exercise a skill.

Shawn W. Miller | August 3, 2010

There is so much to learn. So be curious. Keep your sense of wonder about the world. We have been given a great promise over and over again. Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find.

Cecil O. Samuelson | August 13, 2009

A rather common fallacy accepted in society is that with graduation, one has finished her or his education. That is a serious misunderstanding if we are considering a truly educated person, particularly one with the lofty goal of achieving eternal life and eventually perfection.

Deborah Dean | November 27, 2007

We prepare for living in the same way we prepare for writing: by learning what we need to learn and by doing what we need to do.

Alvin F. Sherman Jr. | January 30, 2007

The most significant pilgrimage that you will experience in your life will be the one that moves you to seek truth, to exercise faith, and to gain a firm testimony that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Allen Palmer | May 23, 2006

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

Timothy J. Powers | October 25, 2005

Constant effort yields perfection in a skill and a glimpse of the capacity our Heavenly Father has endowed us with. Trust and coachability are akin to faith and obedience, and, when tested, prepare you—and your confidence waxes strong.

Lance B. Wickman | August 17, 2004

In the end, the only lasting manifestation of embracing the Word of Wisdom—of following the Man in the white robe—is to be found in the “great treasures of knowledge,” the “hidden treasures,” that are the mysteries of godliness and the “fulness of the glory of the Father” and of the Son.

R. Steven Turley | July 27, 2004

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

Mary Williams | July 17, 2001

The key to eternal life is to know God, and to know Him in a way that changes us. How can we get to know God? Professor Mary Williams shares some insights.

Richard G. Scott | January 23, 2001

You can learn vitally important things by what you hear and see and, especially, by what you feel, as prompted by the Holy Ghost.

Richard N. Williams | February 1, 2000

The premise of all my remarks is that a glorious restoration has taken place in our time. We have come to understand that the history of the world is marked in dispensation units. The world has suffered through periods of relative darkness, ignorance, and error. It has also been blessed with periods of truth and light. You and I have the blessed privilege of living in the full light of…

Kevin J Worthen | July 21, 1998

Knowledge deepens our charity, while charity, in turn, deepens our knowledge. The relationship between the two is crucial to a true education.

Elaine S. Marshall | May 25, 1998

Elaine S. Marshall offers some professional, personal, and scriptural perspectives on knowing, as well as the limits of temporal and spiritual knowledge.

Dennis B. Neuenschwander | May 19, 1998

You should study Church doctrine to know what you believe, but equally important is believing what you know, which requires trusting spiritual experiences.

Martha Peacock | May 21, 1996

I was asked to address myself today to my experiences at the intersection of my studies and my beliefs. I have chosen to consider what I would call the development of the searching mind. Because I was asked to speak on some aspect of the integration of faith and reason, it occurred to me that I needed to take a moment and dedicate this talk to my husband. So much…

Truman G. Madsen | September 20, 1994

[W]hen you are on record and in the presence of others, and are trying to be truthful, and you consult the depths of your own soul, you yourself may learn how profoundly you know.

James E. Faust | August 23, 1994

Part of the uniqueness of BYU is its ability to complement secular knowledge with spiritual truth. Elder Faust pays tribute to President Hunter.

L. Tom Perry | October 12, 1993

The season of judgment will come to each of us. As we prepare to harvest a good and fulfilling life, let us store up knowledge, honesty, and service.

Richard G. Scott | August 17, 1993

Can you sense the excitement in the air as we begin another marvel called BYU Campus Education Week? There is nothing quite like it in scope or quality in all the world. Over 180 of the world’s best and brightest have spent long hours preparing their presentations to provide more than 1,100 classes ranging from deep doctrine to folk dancing, from family and marriage to the healing wings of music.…

Neal A. Maxwell | August 18, 1992

Latter-day Saints should have all the genuine excitement others have in the traditional adventure of learning, including learning secular truths—and we, of all people, should have a little more! In fact, when we are so learning and so behaving, we are truly “about [our] Father’s business.” This should bring to us a special and genuine zest for learning.

Robert D. Hales | March 15, 1988

Intelligence and knowledge are only stepping-stones to the greater qualities of wisdom and understanding, which help us use our learning to bless others.

George P. Lee | May 17, 1983

As you seek valuable secular education, remember that your spiritual education must take first priority in order to secure eternal knowledge and blessings.

Henry B. Eyring | March 1, 1983

No matter how much the world changes, we can succeed in discovering truth—in both secular and spiritual matters—if we are willing to work for it.

Spencer W. Kimball | September 9, 1980

Make the most of your BYU education. Aquire not only a specialized academic literacy, but a spiritual one that will bless your family and the world.

James M. Paramore | May 2, 1978

Constant study of the gospel will help you in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be guided by the Spirit in following the Savior.

Marion G. Romney | March 15, 1977

At the dedication of the enlarged Harold B. Lee library, President Marion G. Romney shares some thoughts about the importance of knowledge and truth.

Eliot Butler | September 14, 1976

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

Marion Bennion | March 26, 1974

Thank you very much, and thank you, President Oaks. This is really my first opportunity to view this audience from this particular perspective, and as you can probably imagine, it is indeed overwhelming. But I do want to express, both for myself and I am sure for all of the other recipients of the Karl G. Maeser Awards today, our appreciation to the Alumni Association and to the University. We…

John H. Vandenberg | February 1, 1972

They key to learning is recognizing that knowledge comes from God. John H. Vandenberg speaks of the advances we have now that one day seemed only fictional.

Loren C. Dunn | July 16, 1968

No experience compares to searching for the truth. We can come to know of the truth of the gospel by faithfully experimenting upon the words of Christ.

Mark E. Petersen | June 7, 1960

In practical as well as in spiritual affairs, have the wisdom to listen to the voice of reason that will guide you to make smart decisions.

Bruce R. McConkie | April 23, 1957

The kingdom of God has been promised to those who are meek, humble, and faithful. Are we preparing ourselves to receive it?

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | June 18, 1956

Knowledge of countries and kingdoms can be gained from reading scripture and other writings. It is valuable for our spiritual growth.

Joseph Fielding Smith | June 23, 1954

The ordinances of the gospel have the power to save and exalt us. Thus, when we understand and receive these ordinances, we have acquired knowledge that saves.

Harold B. Lee - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Harold B. Lee | June 16, 1953

"The glory of God is intelligence." Without knowledge of Christ, His gospel, His Church, His ordinances, and His love, we are unprepared for salvation.