We cannot judge fully of men's works by what we see, or what is said and thought of them; for man is prone to depreciate that which is really important, and to exact and extol what is trivial and of little worth. Many things which are hidden and unrecognized of human wisdom are nevertheless valuable and vitally important.
Interpretation
Judging people based on appearances or opinions can lead us to overlook what is truly valuable.
Orson F. Whitney emphasizes the idea that surface-level judgments are often misleading. People tend to undervalue what is truly significant and instead focus on trivial matters. This quote reminds us to look beyond superficial assessments and recognize the deeper, often hidden, value in people's actions and contributions.
In practice
This quote would be perfect for a personal development seminar.
You parents of the wilful and the wayward! Don't give them up. Don't cast them off. They are not utterly lost. The Shepherd will find his sheep. They were His before they were yours - long before He entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as He loves them.
It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.
It is my belief that many who think they dislike poetry are really poetical in their natures and are indebted to it, more than they imagine, for the success they may have achieved, even in practical pursuits, and for the enjoyment their lives have afforded them.
Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it.
Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.
Great genius takes shape by contact with another great genius, but less by assimilation than by friction.
Keep one thing in view forever- the truth; and if you do this, though it may seem to lead you away from the opinion of men, it will assuredly conduct you to the throne of God.
O Divine Providence, I ask not for more riches but more wisdom with which to make wiser use of the riches you gave me at birth, consisting in the power to control and direct my own mind to whatever ends I might desire.
The man who does ill must suffer ill.
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