As precious as life itself is our heritage of individual freedom, for man's free agency is a God-given gift.
David O. MckayRead
That which a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. I will know what you are if you tell me what you think about when you don't have to think.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our thoughts shape our actions and reveal our true selves, especially under pressure.
This quote emphasizes the profound influence of our thoughts on our behavior, particularly during moments of challenges or opportunities. David O. McKay suggests that an individual's underlying values and beliefs are reflected in the thoughts they hold when they are not preoccupied or distracted, indicating that our true character emerges in times of stress.
Themes
ThoughtsActionsCharacterStressOpportunity
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about self-improvement and resilience.
More from David O. Mckay
All quotes →The rising sun can dispel the darkness of night, but it cannot banish the blackness of malice, hatred, bigotry, and selfishness from the hearts of humanity.
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Motherhood is the one thing in all the world which most truly exemplifies the God-given virtues of creating and sacrificing. Though it carries the woman close to the brink of death, motherhood also leads her into the very realm of the fountains of life and makes her co-partner with the Creator in bestowing upon eternal spirits mortal life.
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It is possible to make home a bit of heaven; indeed, I picture heaven to be a continuation of the ideal home
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Happiness and peace will come to earth only as the light of love and human compassion enter the souls of men.
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Out of the homes of America will come the future citizens of America, and only as those homes are what they should be will this nation be what it should be.
David O. MckayRead
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