This I Believe | Gordon B. Hinckley | 1992
622,279
Published 2013-04-08
speeches.byu.edu/talks/gordon-b-hinckley_believe-2…
"It dawned on me the other day that I was part of a graduating class of a sister institution in 1932. This coming June it will be sixty years ago that we proudly and happily marched in a processional, listened to a commencement address of which I remember absolutely nothing, and went out to face the world.
That was a dark season, that year of 1932. It was at the bottom of the great worldwide depression. The unemployment rate was not the 5 or 6 or 7 percent over which we worry today, but more than 30 percent. Men saw their savings vanish, and some, with nothing to live for, took their own lives. Many with greater faith held on tenaciously as they sank into the pit of poverty.
It was into that world of economic distress that we of the class of ’32 arrived, breathing something of an air of cynicism. Yet notwithstanding this, there was much joy in our lives. Cars were cheaper then, but few could afford one. But we dated, we danced, we had a lot of fun while worrying about life, and somehow we made it and pulled through. I can think of scores of my peers who had nothing in those days but who, somehow, with the blessings of heaven, went forward and became men and women of strength and substance as they walked a straight and steady course, guided by principles to which they held with steadfastness.
It was their beliefs and the motivation that came therefrom that pulled them through. Everyone of us is largely the product of his or her beliefs. Our behavior is governed by these. They become our standards of conduct.
I have a few personal articles of belief, ten to be exact, that I have tried to observe over the years and which this evening I would like to share with you. I hope you will not think me arrogant or conceited or self-righteous in doing so. I hope you will not think me egotistical. While I speak in a personal vein, I feel the things I mention are of universal application. I have chosen as a title for this talk the title of a small book put out many years ago by Edward R. Murrow, This I Believe. I have shared these thoughts with smaller groups on one or two previous occasions, although not in precisely the same language. And I do not necessarily set these ten statements in order of their importance. Here, then, are my ten articles of belief.
First, I believe in the wonders of the human body and the miracle of the human mind.
Second, I believe in beauty.
Third, I believe in the gospel of work.
Fourth, I believe that honesty is still the best policy.
Fifth, I believe in the obligation and blessing of service.
Sixth, I believe the family to be the basic and most important unit of society.
Seventh, I believe in the principle of thrift.
Eighth, I believe in myself.
Ninth, I believe in God, my Eternal Father, and in his Beloved Son, the Redeemer of the World.
Tenth, I believe in prayer, in the invitation to come unto my Eternal Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." - Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon B. Hinckley was First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this fireside address was given at Brigham Young University on 1 March 1992.
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All Comments (21)
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Thank you President Hinckley, we love you. I am 83 years old and a former Baptist minister. I and my family along with my father also a Baptist minister read the Book of Mormon and found it to be true. 14 members of our family spanning 4 generations joined this the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 51 years ago. I am currently the Seminole Florida 2nd Ward organist.
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What a wonderful prophet, we still need this message.
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This man helped me to overcome anger. A true prophet of God. My ability to control my extreme emotions allowed me and my wife to heal and now live in pure peace. We do not profess things are perfect, but that the effect of following the prophet changed our lives.
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I miss President Hinckley :(
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President Hinckley, always looking on the bright side of life, an eternal optimist! I thank God for his life and what he has taught us, and the legacy he has left with us.
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A good man who is missed sorely.
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I was in Korea in 1996-1997, and President Hinckley came to speak at the Olympic arena area but on the same night Carlos Santana was also due to play in the same venue just a few hundred feet apart. I was torn. I wanted to see Santana but I also wanted to see and hear the prophet. I decided to see prophet. Boy am I glad I chose the right thing :) I could tell by his presence he was a true prophet of God, you could feel it in the room. When the meeting was over, I walked by the concert area for Carlos Santana it was nearly empty no one had shown up, possibly bc no one knew who he was there. Also bc the tickets had been so expensive. A guard let me in for free! I got to hear all the good songs with abt 15 people who showed up. 😂 while I remember the concert and it’s excitement to me at the time, it doesn’t hold anything to hearing the prophet in person. He told so many thing specific to the Korean people, my testimony grew to hear him, and the memory is indelible now and more cherished than that fleeting concert experience.
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Gordon B Hinckley had a way of telling us the hard things we needed to hear in such a way that we agreed with him and wanted to do better because he pointed out a flaw that needed to be replaced by something good. I loved this man and loved him as my prophet.
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I’ve always love Pres Hinckley now and forever
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I Still miss President Hinckley! 🙏🏻
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Love this talk, we miss you President Hinckley and we so grateful that we are still able to watch your talks of inspiration.
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WOW !!! What a great beautiful man. To give inspiration and brighten our hearts and minds for the greater good of all. I like to say I feel closer to our HEAVENLY FATHER when he fills my spirit and heart with inspiration to help and brighten the lives of our fellow man. I never met him but I do miss him. May he live in our hearts forever.
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I love his sense of humor, such a wonderful prophet of God.
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So applicable to us today in 2023. So glad it popped up on utube. My heart is overflowing for the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has for us to continually have prophets to guide us in our mortal journey.
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I remember during his funeral procession in SLC the street was lined with respectful people of all backgrounds, races, all Faiths etc, even “gang” types, took of their hats, pulled over cars, turned off loud music… in respect to this Servant who served absolutely EVERY Soul he came in contact with. He did more GOOD than any of if will ever know, a servant to all. He loved everyone without exception.
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I never tire of this exemplary man and his message. I never heard him speak when I didn’t learn and feel inspired.
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Gordon B. Hinckley was the prophet when I came to Church. His cousin David was mission President (Birmingham England). Both were wonderful people. I enjoyed every talk he gave and learning of him. He was a great man.
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All the prophets have been great leaders, but President Hinkley was special. He was a towering figure in the life of the church and the world. We were blessed to have had him and we are blessed that his wisdom lives on in videos forever. Praise God.
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This speech is timeless. But more true in 2021. Than ever. I miss Gordon B Hinkley. My favorite. And most inspirational. In my Time. ❤️
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Man, this guy was a powerhouse.
