Gordon B. Hinckley

Gordon B. Hinckley – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the rich life and lasting legacy of Gordon B. Hinckley. Discover his early years, leadership in the LDS Church, key achievements, personality, and inspiring quotes that still resonate today.

Introduction

Gordon B. Hinckley (June 23, 1910 – January 27, 2008) was an American clergyman, writer, and religious leader who served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Under his leadership, the LDS Church saw a period of remarkable growth, temple building, and global outreach. He left behind a vast trove of teachings, writings, and a compassionate example of faith and service. His words — on work, character, faith, and hope — continue to inspire people both within and beyond his faith community.

In this article, we will trace his journey from humble beginnings to global influence, reflect on his personality and philosophy, and highlight some of his most memorable quotes. We will also consider what lessons modern readers can draw from his life.

Early Life and Family

Gordon Bitner Hinckley was born on June 23, 1910 in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. He was the son of Bryant S. Hinckley and Ada Bitner Hinckley. Growing up in East Millcreek, he had early exposure to books and learning: his family home included a library of about 1,000 volumes — a treasure trove for a young mind. His upbringing emphasized faith, education, and personal responsibility, which would shape his life’s work.

On April 29, 1937, Gordon married Marjorie Pay in the Salt Lake Temple. They had five children together. Marjorie died in 2004.

Youth and Education

Hinckley completed his secondary education at LDS High School, graduating in 1928. He then attended the University of Utah, majoring in English literature, with minors in Latin and ancient Greek, earning a B.A. in 1932. During the Great Depression, he served as a missionary in Britain (1933–1935).

On his mission, he preached in London and parts of Europe. After his missionary service, he returned to the U.S. and took on roles in church public communications, harnessing his skills in writing and outreach.

Career and Achievements

Early Church Service & Administrative Roles

After returning from his mission, Hinckley began working for the LDS Church as executive secretary of the Radio, Publicity and Missionary Literature Committee. He managed radio broadcasts, missionary materials, and public communications. Over time, he held leadership roles in public affairs, church education, and global assignments. In 1958 he became a general authority (as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve). He later served as counselor in church presidencies, and as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles before ascending to church president.

Presidency of the LDS Church

On March 12, 1995, following the death of Howard W. Hunter, Hinckley became the 15th President of the LDS Church at age 84. His presidency was marked by several enduring initiatives:

• Temple building surge:
  When he became president, there were 47 operating temples; by the time of his death, there were 124 — more than half built or dedicated under his leadership. He also oversaw the reconstruction of key temples (e.g. Nauvoo, Illinois) and significant expansions.

• Conference Center and infrastructure:
  He supervised the construction of the Conference Center (a 21,000-seat building), renovations to the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and other architectural projects.

• “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”:
  Under his presidency, the Church issued this influential document emphasizing the sanctity of family, marriage, parenthood, and responsibilities.

• Perpetual Education Fund:
  He helped establish this fund to provide low-interest educational loans to youth in developing countries, enabling them to gain skills and improve their lives.

• Media openness and public relations:
  Hinckley brought a more open tone to church leadership. He held press conferences and sought to build bridges with nonmembers and the media.

During his presidency, it is estimated that about one-third of the LDS Church’s membership joined under his tenure.

Honors and Recognition

Hinckley received numerous accolades:

• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2004), awarded by President George W. Bush, in recognition of his humanitarian work, educational contributions, and global influence.

• Silver Buffalo Award, the highest honor from the Boy Scouts of America.

• He earned 10 honorary doctorates from distinguished institutions.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Hinckley’s presidency coincided with a time of globalization, increased media scrutiny, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on public relations, transparency, and global growth reflected that context.

• The rapid acceleration of temple construction under his leadership was unprecedented in LDS history.

• His era saw the LDS Church becoming more visible worldwide, with new temples and missions in many countries.

• The dissemination of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” positioned the Church’s views on family in conversations across cultures and faiths.

• Hinckley’s approach of engaging with media and nonmembers contrasted with earlier more insular church leadership styles, making the LDS Church more accessible to public view.

Legacy and Influence

Gordon B. Hinckley is remembered as one of the most transformative presidents in LDS history.

• Architect of expansion: The number of temples, construction of major facilities, and global expansion of membership are a tangible legacy.

• Voice of outreach: His willingness to engage the public and advocate for interfaith understanding helped shape the Church’s modern image.

• Publications & writings: His books—such as Standing for Something and Way to Be!—continue to be read, quoted, and used for personal inspiration.

• Inspirational teaching style: He had a gift for expressing profound truths in simple, memorable ways.

• Personal example: His commitment to service, work ethic, humility, and faith continue to be held up as a model by many.

His influence extends not only within the LDS community but also reaches beyond, through humanitarian partnerships, public engagement, and the universal appeal of some of his teachings.

Personality and Talents

Hinckley was known for many personal qualities that reinforced his effectiveness:

• Humility and simplicity: Despite his high office, he often emphasized modesty, the worth of small acts, and a servant’s spirit.

• Optimism: He frequently expressed confidence that “things will all work out” and encouraged hope even in difficult circumstances.

• Clear communicator: His speeches were accessible, direct, and filled with memorable metaphors and analogies.

• Lifelong learner: Even in his later years, he advocated for reading, education, growth, and intellectual curiosity.

• Warmth and empathy: He cared about individuals, families, and the struggles of real people.

• Consistency and integrity: He strove to align his teachings and his life, making him a trusted figure.

Even past age ninety, he remained active in church service and in delivering addresses — working nearly up to the end of his life.

Famous Quotes of Gordon B. Hinckley

Here are selected quotes that reflect the heart of his teachings:

1. “Life is to be enjoyed, not endured.”

2. “Try a little harder to be a little better.”

3. “Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.”

4. “We are creatures of our thinking. We can talk ourselves into defeat or we can talk ourselves into victory.”

5. “If life gets too hard to stand, kneel.”

6. “You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something.”

7. “The best antidote I know for worry is work.”

8. “The cause of most of man’s unhappiness is sacrificing what he wants most for what he wants now.”

9. “There is no substitute under the heavens for productive labor. It is the process by which dreams become realities.”

10. “Respect for self is the beginning of cultivating virtue in men and women.”

Each of these encapsulates parts of his philosophy: diligence, faith, service, humility, and the power of positive thinking.

Lessons from Gordon B. Hinckley

From the life and teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, one can draw several practical lessons:

• Small consistent efforts matter: He emphasized doing your best in the small tasks; over time, they compound into significant results.

• Faith + action: Belief alone is not enough; he consistently urged that faith be matched by deeds and effort.

• Humility in leadership: True influence comes not from assertion or titles, but from service, empathy, and integrity.

• Resilience through perspective: His optimism, even in adversity, reminds us that setbacks need not define us.

• Lifelong growth: His love for reading and learning until his final years shows that personal development has no age limit.

• Balance of family and work: He held up the family as central and saw professional or public work as grounded when anchored in personal values.

• Communicate simply and clearly: His style shows the power of expressing deep truths in clear, relatable language.

Conclusion

Gordon B. Hinckley’s life spanned nearly a century, and his influence continues to ripple through millions of lives. As a church leader, he oversaw expansion and institutional growth; as a writer and speaker, he offered practical wisdom. But beyond titles and works, what endures is his example: a man of faith, humility, clarity, and perseverance.

To explore more, you might read his book Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes, or trace his speeches and addresses housed in LDS archives.

May his life’s story remind us that quiet consistency, deep conviction, and genuine kindness remain among the most powerful legacies one person can leave.