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The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who is known for his thought- provoking quotes and skillfully crafted phrases, is one of the most frequently quoted General Authorities in our lifetime. Now, readers can enjoy the best of Elder Maxwell's teachings, together with beautiful illustrations from beloved LDS artists, in this keepsake edition. Fifteen hundred quotations on more than two hundred topics have been selected from his addresses, his books, and some unpublished talks. This book will be of immense value to anyone who loves to study the gospel and to those who have a responsibility to teach it. This new edition, with its stunning artistic renditions, is as visually beautiful as it is spiritually inspiring.
395 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 1997
22 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Neal A. Maxwell
89 books154 followersNeal A. Maxwell was well known as an Apostle, author, administrator, and educator. A graduate of the University of Utah, he was the Commissioner of Education for the Church Educational System for six years. He also held a variety of administrative and teaching positions at the University of Utah, including that of executive vice-president.
In 1974 Elder Maxwell was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. From 1976 to 1981 he served as member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and in 1981 was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Maxwell has written numerous books on Latter-day Saint themes, including "If Thou Endure It Well"; "Lord, Increase Our Faith"; "That Ye May Believe"; and "Not My Will, But Thine". He and his wife, Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, had four children.
Elder Maxwell died July 21, 2004.
In 1974 Elder Maxwell was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. From 1976 to 1981 he served as member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and in 1981 was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Maxwell has written numerous books on Latter-day Saint themes, including "If Thou Endure It Well"; "Lord, Increase Our Faith"; "That Ye May Believe"; and "Not My Will, But Thine". He and his wife, Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, had four children.
Elder Maxwell died July 21, 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 26, 2013
This is more of a resource book than one to read straight through, and it only goes until Elder Maxwell's talks and quotes from 1997, but it's full of many great topics and quotes and real gems! :) Here are a few of my favorites:
"God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability (p. 1)."
"Church members do not become inactive while crossing the plains, when the sense of belonging and being needed was so profound (p. 3)."
"So much of our time is ironically devoted to learning and marketing perishable skills that will soon become obsolete. It isn't just the morticians who will have a vocational crisis in the next world (p. 36)."
"It makes sense to me that the Lord would choose out of the world those who are (or who could become) different from the world and, therefore, could lead the world to a different outcome. We must be different in order to make a difference (p. 43)."
"The Church is 'for the perfecting of the saints' (Ephesians 4:12); it is not a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected...in the kingdom we are each other's clinical material; the Lord allows us to practice on each other, even in our imperfections (p. 46)."
"So often we feel, implicitly, that we are doing God a favor if we do his work, that we are helping him along when, in fact, our performance properly undertaken is for the welfare of our soul, not his! It is our happiness and our growth he seeks (p. 50)!"
"Suppose Peter had not left his nets 'straightway'? He might have become the respected president of the local Galilean fisherman's association. But he would not have been on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, Moses, and Elias and heard the voice of God (p. 55)."
"It is very important that we not assume the perspectives of mortality in making the decisions that bear on eternity! We need the perspectives of the gospel to make decisions in the context of eternity. We need to understand we cannot do the Lord's work in the world's way (p. 76)."
"God knows even now what the future holds for each of us....The future 'you' is before him now. He knows what it is he wishes to bring to pass in your life. He knows the kind of remodeling in your life and in mine that he wishes to achieve (p. 80)."
"The adversary never uses any of his annual leave (p. 82)."
"We should learn from our errors, but then forget them as soon as we can (p. 106)."
"The acceptance of the reality that we are in the Lord's loving hands is only a recognition that we have never really been anywhere else (p. 113)."
"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time (p. 116)."
"Involve newcomers quickly in the Lord's work. They have been called to his vineyard not just to admire but to perspire--not to 'ooh' and 'aah' but to 'hoe and saw.' Let us make of them friends--not celebrities; colleagues--not competitors. Let us use their precious enthusiasm to beckon still others to come within (p. 124)."
"May we be different in order to make a difference in the world (p. 143)."
"The gospel requires us to yield our minds as well as bend our knees. Minds are often more arthritic than knees (p. 165)."
"Humility is not the disavowal of our worth; rather, it is the sober realization of how much we are valued by God. Nor does true humility call for the denigraton of what truth we already know; rather, it is the catching of one's breath, as he realizes how very little that which we mortals presently know really is (p. 165)!"
"Too often we behave as if we were in massive competition with others for God's love. But we have His love; it is our love of Him that remains to be proven, such as through service to others (p. 204)."
"God trusts women so much that He lets them bear and care for His spirit children (p. 218)."
"Significantly, those who look forward to a next and better world are usually 'anxiously engaged' in improving this one, for they 'always abound in good works (p. 265).'"
"In the economy of heaven, God does not send thunder if a still, small voice is enough, or a prophet if a priest can do the job (p. 288)."
"Temple work is not an escape from the world but a reinforcing of our need to better the world while preparing ourselves for another and far better world. Thus, being in the Lord's house can help us to be different from the world in order to make more difference in the world (p. 339)."
"It is only by yielding to God that we can begin to realize His will for us. And if we truly trust God, why not yield to His loving omniscience? After all, He knows us and our possibilities much better than do we (p. 350)."
"The only way to avoid being overcome by the cares of the world...is to stop caring so much for the world (p. 366)."
"God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability (p. 1)."
"Church members do not become inactive while crossing the plains, when the sense of belonging and being needed was so profound (p. 3)."
"So much of our time is ironically devoted to learning and marketing perishable skills that will soon become obsolete. It isn't just the morticians who will have a vocational crisis in the next world (p. 36)."
"It makes sense to me that the Lord would choose out of the world those who are (or who could become) different from the world and, therefore, could lead the world to a different outcome. We must be different in order to make a difference (p. 43)."
"The Church is 'for the perfecting of the saints' (Ephesians 4:12); it is not a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected...in the kingdom we are each other's clinical material; the Lord allows us to practice on each other, even in our imperfections (p. 46)."
"So often we feel, implicitly, that we are doing God a favor if we do his work, that we are helping him along when, in fact, our performance properly undertaken is for the welfare of our soul, not his! It is our happiness and our growth he seeks (p. 50)!"
"Suppose Peter had not left his nets 'straightway'? He might have become the respected president of the local Galilean fisherman's association. But he would not have been on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, Moses, and Elias and heard the voice of God (p. 55)."
"It is very important that we not assume the perspectives of mortality in making the decisions that bear on eternity! We need the perspectives of the gospel to make decisions in the context of eternity. We need to understand we cannot do the Lord's work in the world's way (p. 76)."
"God knows even now what the future holds for each of us....The future 'you' is before him now. He knows what it is he wishes to bring to pass in your life. He knows the kind of remodeling in your life and in mine that he wishes to achieve (p. 80)."
"The adversary never uses any of his annual leave (p. 82)."
"We should learn from our errors, but then forget them as soon as we can (p. 106)."
"The acceptance of the reality that we are in the Lord's loving hands is only a recognition that we have never really been anywhere else (p. 113)."
"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time (p. 116)."
"Involve newcomers quickly in the Lord's work. They have been called to his vineyard not just to admire but to perspire--not to 'ooh' and 'aah' but to 'hoe and saw.' Let us make of them friends--not celebrities; colleagues--not competitors. Let us use their precious enthusiasm to beckon still others to come within (p. 124)."
"May we be different in order to make a difference in the world (p. 143)."
"The gospel requires us to yield our minds as well as bend our knees. Minds are often more arthritic than knees (p. 165)."
"Humility is not the disavowal of our worth; rather, it is the sober realization of how much we are valued by God. Nor does true humility call for the denigraton of what truth we already know; rather, it is the catching of one's breath, as he realizes how very little that which we mortals presently know really is (p. 165)!"
"Too often we behave as if we were in massive competition with others for God's love. But we have His love; it is our love of Him that remains to be proven, such as through service to others (p. 204)."
"God trusts women so much that He lets them bear and care for His spirit children (p. 218)."
"Significantly, those who look forward to a next and better world are usually 'anxiously engaged' in improving this one, for they 'always abound in good works (p. 265).'"
"In the economy of heaven, God does not send thunder if a still, small voice is enough, or a prophet if a priest can do the job (p. 288)."
"Temple work is not an escape from the world but a reinforcing of our need to better the world while preparing ourselves for another and far better world. Thus, being in the Lord's house can help us to be different from the world in order to make more difference in the world (p. 339)."
"It is only by yielding to God that we can begin to realize His will for us. And if we truly trust God, why not yield to His loving omniscience? After all, He knows us and our possibilities much better than do we (p. 350)."
"The only way to avoid being overcome by the cares of the world...is to stop caring so much for the world (p. 366)."
December 19, 2019
I love Elder Maxwell. It amazes me how much he is able to convey in a single sentence.
October 22, 2014
This is a beautiful marriage of art and inspirational thoughts. Elder Neal A. Maxwell has a gift for turning an idea over and examining and explaining it in new, thought-provoking ways. I miss hearing from him and learning from his wisdom each General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This book is a treasure to let us continue to hear his voice still through what he's said in the past, and in lovely little bite-sized chunks that we can ponder slowly.
This book is a treasure to let us continue to hear his voice still through what he's said in the past, and in lovely little bite-sized chunks that we can ponder slowly.
November 18, 2012
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book so much. I usually don't like books that are a collection of quotes - I prefer to read complete thoughts in context. But Elder Maxwell has such a wonderful way with words that he packs a whole sermon in just a few words. I enjoyed this book so much that I had to stop highlighting favorite passages because I realized I was highlighting nearly every paragraph.
May 4, 2012
Highlights of everything Elder Neal A. Maxwell stood for while on this earth. Thousands of great quotes using words and descriptions like only Maxwell can. Any talk, lesson, or even discussion this book is worth using. I very highly recommend added it to your gospel library for anyone. Great, amazing stuff in the pages of this book.
October 5, 2007
Besides being an educator, administrator, and spiritual leader, Maxwell was a consumate wordsmith. This book is a great overview of Maxwell's work...It's an example of great writing and deep spirituality...
May 21, 2008
Best book of quotes that I have had the pleasure of reading. In his own way Elder Maxwell speaks to your soul and inspires to search out God and get to know Him and His Son Jesus Christ personally.
May 16, 2018
The book "The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book" is a very inspirational book. This book is a compilation of many quotes that have been given by Neal A. Maxwell. The formatting of this book helps the reader find where they previously had been reading. It is separated by alphabetical order of topics that he has spoken of in previous talks. This book is filled with quotes providing good inspiration to the reader. Some of his points in life were great and referring to his studies as a professor. This book was good to read and was well worth the time spent reading it. This book deserves a five star rating.
July 19, 2017
I keep this book on my coffee table. (Ironic, no?) It is organized by topic alphabetically. It's just what I need when I want to sit down for 30-second morning devotional, then have an spiritual idea to chew on for the rest of the day.
September 19, 2019
This book must be read in little bits at a time. The quotes are profound and thought provoking. Considering how long ago many of these statements were made, it's not by mistake that most of them feel prophetic in nature. His spirituality is evident and very admirable.
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February 7, 2020This book has the best quotes.
motivational quotes
quotes
quote of the day
motivational quotes
quotes
quote of the day
December 22, 2021
Some excellent quotations on a variety of gospel subjects. Thought-provoking and inspiring.
July 29, 2020
Received as a gift. Neal A. Maxwell had a signature writing style - a way of mixing metaphors and using rare words that may not be easily accessible to some. However the wisdom contained within is worth the work.
November 4, 2012
This book took me a long time to read. I highlighted the quotes that I really liked. Now that I'm finished with the book, I would say I highlighted about 20% of the quotes. Some of the quotes in the book were pretty lengthy and not really quotable (i.e. It would take some time to try and memorize some of the lengthy quotes and try to recite or quote them to people.)
I wrote down the sources of all my favorite quotes. The quotes I liked best came from 18 different Ensign articles, 7 BYU Devotional speeches and 21 different books. I would like to try and read all the articles and speeches to see the original context where the quotes were taken from. I doubt I'll get around to reading all 21 books. Maybe I'll just add some of the book titles to my long list of books-to-read.
I do love Elder Maxwell. The pictures in the book were nice. The idea to sort the quotes out by theme was a good organizational idea. I think I would like this book better if they cut out the lengthy quotes and condensed the quotes down into a smaller, more affordable book.
I wrote down the sources of all my favorite quotes. The quotes I liked best came from 18 different Ensign articles, 7 BYU Devotional speeches and 21 different books. I would like to try and read all the articles and speeches to see the original context where the quotes were taken from. I doubt I'll get around to reading all 21 books. Maybe I'll just add some of the book titles to my long list of books-to-read.
I do love Elder Maxwell. The pictures in the book were nice. The idea to sort the quotes out by theme was a good organizational idea. I think I would like this book better if they cut out the lengthy quotes and condensed the quotes down into a smaller, more affordable book.
May 9, 2009
Okay, Okay, so I haven't read all of the quotes in thsi book but I have read many. This book was also a gift from Elder Maxwell when I took care of him in the hospital. He was an amazing man who had a special gift of words.
March 19, 2012
Excellent. Deep. Inspiring. Profound. Magnificent. He intellectualizes, dignifies, and elevates the Christian life - the disciples journey - into an epic, spiritual Iron Man. Take time to ponder a few quotes or a subject at a time and they stay with you all week.
September 21, 2008
I won this one when I worked at Deseret Book. Lots of good stuff in here, but not as helpful as I thought it would be.
November 29, 2007
I love Elder Maxwell! These quotes are thought-provoking and inspired. We often refer to this book when preparing talks and lessons. It is definitely one to keep in your home library!
March 11, 2008
Great reference for wonderful quotes.
April 29, 2008
This book is a great inspiration, and great for those talks we need to put together.
February 17, 2014
LOVE his quotes!
September 1, 2008
This is an ongoing reference book of Elder Maxwells quotes. AWESOME!
October 16, 2008
How can you not love Elder Maxwell?
June 13, 2010
Awesome so far. Not exactly the type of book you read through, but I've decided to read a few sections a week because I like his eloquence so much.
March 1, 2010
My husband loves Elder Maxwell. This is a favorite.
May 27, 2012
I love Elder Maxwell - such a master of words, profundity, and full of the Spirit. A great apostle, and these are some great quotes.
October 31, 2012
He has a way with words.
July 3, 2013
Very good collection. And yes, I read every single quote. It's Neal A. Maxwell- his spirit is worth it.
January 3, 2013
I put this on my Kindle and have been reading a few pages every day. I love it!
June 5, 2014
His words will always be some of my most favorite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews