Neal A. Maxwell
Neal A. Maxwell – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Explore the life, service, writings, and enduring legacy of Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004), an American clergyman, educator, and apostle whose insights on discipleship, faith, adversity, and eternal perspective continue to inspire.
Introduction
Neal A. Maxwell (July 6, 1926 – July 21, 2004) stands as one of the most influential leaders, thinkers, and writers in modern Latter-day Saint (LDS) history. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for over two decades, his sermons, essays, and books shaped the faith and lives of many. Known for his mastery of language, penetrating spiritual insight, and devotion to discipleship, Maxwell’s life and teachings remain widely quoted, studied, and cherished.
Early Life and Family
Neal Ash Maxwell was born on July 6, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clarence Maxwell and Emma Ash.
In high school at Granite High School, Maxwell displayed ambitions in athletics—he hoped to become a standout basketball player.
He later met Colleen Hinckley (born 1928), and the two were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 22, 1950.
Maxwell’s family life was a central anchor in his existence; he often spoke of the importance of home, relationships, and the sacred nature of family.
Youth, Education, and Service
Military Service & Mission
Graduating in 1944 from high school during the height of World War II, Maxwell enlisted in the United States Army.
After the war, Maxwell spent two years serving a mission for the LDS Church in Canada.
Academic and Early Professional Life
Before leaving on his mission, Maxwell had begun undergraduate studies at the University of Utah. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in political science from the University of Utah.
In the early 1950s, Maxwell worked in Washington, D.C.—first in government service and then as a legislative assistant to Senator Wallace F. Bennett.
Later he joined the University of Utah in administrative and academic roles: assistant director of public relations (1956), assistant to the university president (1958), secretary to the Board of Trustees (1961), dean of students (1962), vice president for planning and public affairs, and eventually executive vice president.
In parallel with his academic career, Maxwell served in various church callings, and eventually was called as a general authority.
Church Leadership and Service
Rise in LDS Church Leadership
Maxwell’s rise within the Church’s general leadership structure was gradual but steady:
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In 1974, he was called as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
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In 1976, when the position of “Assistant to the Twelve” was discontinued, he became a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and later joined the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
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On July 23, 1981, Maxwell was ordained as an Apostle and joined the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a position he held until his death in 2004.
Throughout his time as Apostle, Maxwell oversaw many assignments—administrative, teaching, and ecclesiastical—both domestically and internationally.
One particularly notable assignment was presiding over the organization of the Aba, Nigeria Stake in 1988—the first stake wholly staffed by persons of African descent in the LDS Church.
Writings, Talks & Intellectual Legacy
Beyond administrative duties, Maxwell was a prolific writer and speaker. Over his lifetime, he authored approximately thirty books on religious topics, along with numerous sermons, articles, and essays.
He became known for his highly alliterative and rhetorically rich speeches. Indeed, translators of general conference talks often classified his addresses at the highest level of difficulty due to his complex style.
During his funeral, LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley remarked:
“Each talk was a masterpiece; each book was a work of art. … I think we shall not see one like him again.”
Historical Context & Challenges
Facing Illness
In 1996, Maxwell was diagnosed with leukemia—a battle that would last eight years before his passing.
His response to suffering and mortality became a living example for many of “tutorials of affliction”—that growth often comes through trials rather than in spite of them.
On July 21, 2004, Neal A. Maxwell died in Salt Lake City from complications of leukemia at the age of 78.
Enduring Institutions & Honors
In honor of his contributions, the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship was established at Brigham Young University in 2006.
Additional honors include honorary doctorates from multiple universities (University of Utah, BYU, Westminster College, Utah State University, etc.).
The University of Utah also established the Neal A. Maxwell Presidential Endowed Chair in Political Theory, Public Policy, and Public Service in 1998.
Legacy and Influence
Neal A. Maxwell’s influence extends in multiple dimensions:
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Spiritual Depth: His teachings remain central to LDS discipleship programs, seminars, and devotional study.
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Literary & Intellectual Model: Many admire his eloquence and command of language, seeing his writings as models of faith-filled scholarship.
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Exemplar of Perseverance: His continued service amid chronic illness inspires those facing adversity to maintain hope and purpose.
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Institutional Impact: Through the Maxwell Institute and endowed chairs, his name continues to shape religious scholarship and leadership training.
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Cultural Memory: To many in the LDS community, Maxwell is revered as one of the 20th-century greats—combining spiritual insight, doctrinal clarity, and literary beauty.
Personality, Strengths & Character
Described frequently as compassionate, humble, witty, and intellectually rigorous, Maxwell embodied a blend of scholarly excellence and spiritual sensitivity.
He acknowledged early struggles—lack of confidence, challenges in English class, shyness—and yet worked diligently to overcome them.
Maxwell’s temperament was one of grace under pressure: he often joked, taught, and comforted even when physically weak.
He believed deeply in consecration over compensation, service over status, and eternal perspective over temporal comfort—themes that reflected consistency between his theology and his life.
Famous Quotes of Neal A. Maxwell
Here are some of his most memorable statements that continue to inspire:
“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.”
“Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God.”
“The laughter of the world is merely loneliness pathetically trying to reassure itself.”
“The hardest work you and I will ever do is to put off our selfishness. It is heavy lifting!”
“If the kingdom of God is not first, it doesn’t matter what’s second.”
“The soul is like a violin string: it makes music only when it is stretched.”
“We are here in mortality, and the only way to go is through; there isn’t any around!”
“Among our afflictions, the Lord may not remove them but will mercifully refine us through them.” (paraphrase of his sermon themes)
These and many other quotes of his continue to be circulated, studied, and cherished for their depth, insight, and spiritual resonance.
Lessons from Neal A. Maxwell
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Trials as Tools of Growth
Maxwell taught that afflictions, sorrows, and challenges often serve as refining furnaces for the soul—“tutorials of affliction” that deepen character and faith. -
Language and Thought Matter
His commitment to precision, rhetorical beauty, and clarity teaches that how we express our convictions is part of their power. -
Service Over Status
Maxwell emphasized that true discipleship is shown in humble service, not in holding lofty positions or accumulating honors. -
Eternal Perspective
He often encouraged looking beyond temporal gains to eternal significance, reminding believers that mortality is a passage, not a destination. -
Faithful Consistency
Even under illness and in mature age, Maxwell remained active in teaching and leadership—his life modelled the principles he espoused. -
Use What You Have
Maxwell believed that each person’s talents, no matter how modest, can contribute significantly when consecrated to higher purposes.
Conclusion
Neal A. Maxwell was more than a clergyman—he was a scholar, a teacher, a wordsmith, and a disciple whose life and teachings continue to echo across generations. Though he passed away in 2004, his influence endures in the minds and hearts of those who read his sermons, quote his lines, and seek deeper discipleship.
May his life encourage readers to cultivate gratitude, face trials with faith, serve with humility, and aspire to the eternal. Explore his works, meditate on his messages, and allow his voice to remain a companion in your own journey of faith.