Hugh Winder Nibley (1910–2005) was an American scholar, historian, and author, best known for his extensive writings on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church.) A professor at Brigham Young University (BYU) for nearly 50 years, he was a prolific writer.
Born in Portland, Oregon, Nibley moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1921, attending middle and high school. He later served an LDS mission in Germany, deepening his linguistic expertise. He earned a history degree from UCLA (1934) and a PhD from the University of California-Berkeley (1938.) During World War II, he was a U.S. Army intelligence officer, participating in operations like D-Day and Market Garden.
In 1946, he joined BYU, teaching foreign languages and Christian church history. His apologetic works examined the archaeological, linguistic, and historical claims of Joseph Smith. His scholarship spanned ancient studies, religious history, and LDS doctrine, making him a leading intellectual within the LDS community.
Notable works include An Approach to the Book of Mormon (1957,) Since Cumorah (1967,) and The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri (1975.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Hugh Nibley
No matter where we begin, if we pursue knowledge diligently and honestly our quest will inevitably lead us from the things of earth to the things of heaven.
—Hugh Nibley
Topics: Knowledge
True knowledge never shuts the door on more knowledge, but zeal often does.
—Hugh Nibley
Topics: Knowledge
Beauty is whatever gives joy.
—Hugh Nibley
Topics: Beauty
Only if you reach the boundary will the boundary recede before you. And if you don’t, if you confine your efforts, the boundary will shrink to accommodate itself to your efforts. And you can only expand your capacities by working to the very limit.
—Hugh Nibley
Topics: Achievement
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