Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by David O. McKay (American Author)

David Oman McKay (1873–1970) was an American religious leader and educator who served as the ninth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1951 until his death. Ordained as an apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1906, his nearly 64-year tenure as a general authority remains the longest in LDS Church history.

Born in Huntsville, Utah, McKay graduated from the University of Utah in 1897. He served as a missionary in Scotland 1897–99 before becoming an instructor and principal at Weber State Academy, now Weber State College, 1899–1908.

In 1906, McKay was appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and became its president in 1950, serving until 1970. His presidency brought significant church growth, global outreach, and a strengthened educational system. He championed the motto “Every Member a Missionary,” emphasizing personal responsibility in sharing the gospel.

McKay was also a prolific writer and speaker. His book Gospel Ideals (1953) compiles teachings on faith and service, while Pathways to Happiness (1957) discusses fulfillment through gospel principles. Under his leadership, the LDS Church expanded its educational initiatives, including the establishment of the Church College of Hawaii, now BYU–Hawaii, in 1955.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by David O. McKay

Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Purpose

Anger itself does more harm than the condition which aroused anger.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Anger

A man’s reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are roused gives the measure of that man’s character. In these reactions are revealed the man’s power to govern or his forced servility to yield.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Character

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
Topics: Work

The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place nor fulfill its essential functions.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Home

No worldly success can compensate for failure in the home.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Home

There is (a) spiritual strength derived from the subjecting of the physical appetite to the will of the individual. “He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than king”. If there were no other virtues in fasting but gaining strength of character, that alone would be sufficient justification for its universal acceptance.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Character

The first condition of happiness is a clear conscience.
—David O. McKay

As long as the day lasts, let’s give it all we got.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Perseverance

The most important of life’s battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Conflict, Challenges

That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do. Not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our ability to do has increased.
—David O. McKay

True Christianity is love in action.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Christianity

What you think about when you don’t have to think, shows what you really are.
—David O. McKay
Topics: Learning

All men who have moved the world have been men who would stand true to their conscience.
—David O. McKay

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