“At the end of your lives you will not be judged by academic successes, the degrees or diplomas earned, the positions held, the material wealth acquired, or power and prestige, but rather on the basis of what you have become as persons and what you are in conduct and character.”
Howard W. Hunter's quote emphasizes the importance of personal growth and character development over external accomplishments and possessions. The quote challenges individuals to focus on building their inner qualities and values, such as integrity, compassion, and kindness, rather than seeking validation through material wealth or societal status. Hunter's words serve as a reminder that true fulfillment and worth come from within, from the way we treat others and the integrity with which we lead our lives.
In today's society, there is often a focus on achieving external markers of success such as academic achievements, wealth, and status. However, Howard W. Hunter reminds us that true success is measured by the kind of people we become and the way we conduct ourselves. This sentiment is as relevant today as ever, serving as a reminder to prioritize our character and actions above material accomplishments. In a world that often values superficial markers of success, Hunter's words challenge us to prioritize personal growth and integrity.
“At the end of your lives you will not be judged by academic successes, the degrees or diplomas earned, the positions held, the material wealth acquired, or power and prestige, but rather on the basis of what you have become as persons and what you are in conduct and character.” - Howard W. Hunter
When reflecting on our lives and what truly matters, it is important to remember that our character and conduct are what define us as individuals. It is not about the external achievements or accolades, but about the kind of person we have become.
As we reflect on Howard W. Hunter's quote about the true measure of success being based on our character and conduct, it prompts us to consider some important questions:
How do you define success in your own life? Is it primarily based on external achievements or internal qualities?
What values and principles guide your decisions and actions on a daily basis? Are they aligned with the person you strive to become?
In what ways are you actively working on developing your character and conduct? What steps can you take to further cultivate these aspects of yourself?
How do you prioritize personal growth and character building in the midst of pursuing academic, professional, or material goals?
Are there any areas of your life where you could improve your conduct and character? What changes or adjustments could you make to align them more closely with your values and beliefs?
“Being happily and successfully married is generally not so much a matter of marrying the right person as it is being the right person.”
“If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept.”
“If man will not recognize the inequalities around him and voluntarily, through the gospel plan, come to the aid of his brother, he will find that through ‘a democratic process’ he will be forced to come to the aid of his brother. The government will take from the ‘haves’ and give to the ‘have nots.’ Both have lost their freedom. Those who ‘have,’ lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who ‘have not,’ lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got ‘something for nothing,’ and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift.”
“While waiting for promised blessings, one should not mark time, for to fail to move forward is to some degree a retrogression. Be anxiously engaged in good causes, including your own development.”
“If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.”
“You should express regularly to your wife and children your reverence and respect for her. Indeed, one of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”