World Foundation 101

Conclusion
 Thomas S. Monson:
In the decades since the end of World War II, standards of morality have lowered again and again. Crime spirals
upward; decency careens downward. Many are on a giant roller coaster of disaster, seeking the thrills of the moment
while sacrificing the joys of eternity. Thus we forfeit peace.
We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric world and how that triumph ended
how a slackness and softness finally overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they
wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost allcomfort and security and freedom.
Do not yield to Satans enticements; rather, stand firm for truth. The unsatisfied yearnings of the soul will not be met
by a never-ending quest for joy amidst the thrills of sensation and vice. Vice never leads to virtue. Hate never
promotes love. Cowardice never gives courage. Doubt never inspires faith.
Some find it difficult to withstand the mocking and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty,
and obedience to Gods commands. But the world has ever belittled adherence to principle. When Noah was
instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the cloudless sky and then scoffed and jeereduntil the
rain came.
Must we learn such costly lessons over and over again? Times change, but truth persists. When we fail to profit from
the experiences of the past, we are doomed to repeat them with all their heartache, suffering, and anguish. Havent
we the wisdom to obey Him who knows the beginning from the endour Lord, who designed the plan of salvation
rather than that serpent, who despised its beauty?
President Thomas S. Monson, The World Needs Pioneers Today, in Liahona July 2013.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/07/the-world-needs-pioneers-today?lang=eng
What makes a civilization strong?
The answer is summarized in the book of Mormon: After the coming of Christ, certain practices made the Nephites a
strong people and thriving civilization. They started to decline when they abandonned these righteous practices

-They had strong values: They obeyed God, they were religious and spiritual.
they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and
prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord. 4 Nephi 12

-They had prosperity and equity.

And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land; yea, insomuch that they did build cities again where there had
been cities burned. 4 Nephi 7
And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all
made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. 4 Nephi 3

-They got married and had children.

And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the
Lord had made unto them. 4 nephi 11
[They] did multiply exceedingly fast 4 Nephi 10

-They were strong and healthy.

And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became
an exceedingly fair and delightsome people. 4 Nephi 10
- They were educated.
I would like to say just a little bit more about Nephi's education. Lehi, himself, was a learned man, and he had had the
best education available in Jerusalem while Nephi was still in his youth. It was the privilege of a wealthy family to hire
tutors and scholars to teach the children. The Book of Mormon tells us that Nephi's father taught him in "all the learning
of the Jews" (1 Nephi 1:2) Noel B Reynolds
And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he called their names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he
caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding;
and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were
delivered them by the hand of the Lord. (Mosiah 1:2)

- They strived to live in freedom and peace.

And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land,
both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly
one with another.
3 And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all
made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. 4 Nephi 2-3

-Last but not least, as a result of all of these factors, they were one: despite their differences, they had a common purpose,
and common values.
There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of
Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:17)

E Pluribus Unum !