There is a heavy emphasis in Mormonism on initiative, on

Stephen Covey, teacher of principles and author of wisdom, once declared: “There is a heavy emphasis in Mormonism on initiative, on responsibility, on a work ethic, and on education. If you take those elements together with a free-enterprise system, you’ve got the chemistry for a lot of industry.” In these words, he reveals a formula both ancient and enduring. Initiative, responsibility, work ethic, and education—these are not mere virtues of a single faith or culture, but eternal pillars upon which civilizations are built. When combined with the freedom to act, to trade, to create, they become the engine of prosperity and the seedbed of greatness.

Covey’s origin in the tradition of the Latter-day Saints shaped his perspective. The Mormon pioneers, crossing deserts and mountains, carved a civilization out of wilderness. They relied not on wealth or inherited power, but on initiative, the courage to act where none had acted before; on responsibility, the willingness to bear burdens for their families and their communities; on work ethic, the discipline of long labor; and on education, the training of both mind and spirit. These qualities, tested in hardship, became the foundation of a thriving people.

The principle reaches beyond Mormonism to the story of nations. Consider the United States in its early years, where waves of immigrants arrived with little but determination. Those who succeeded were those who seized initiative, who took responsibility for their fate, who embraced the dignity of labor, and who valued learning as a ladder upward. In the soil of a free-enterprise system, these virtues blossomed into invention, into commerce, into industry that transformed the world. Covey’s words are thus not only about his faith, but about the universal law of growth: character plus freedom creates abundance.

History also bears witness in the tale of Japan after World War II. Out of ruin and defeat, the nation rose not by chance but by discipline. The people embraced education, instilled a fierce work ethic, accepted responsibility for rebuilding, and encouraged initiative in innovation. In a single generation, Japan transformed from ashes to one of the strongest economies on earth. Their story mirrors the chemistry Covey described: the right virtues, joined with opportunity, yield the power of industry.

Yet, Covey’s wisdom also carries a warning: without responsibility, freedom decays into chaos; without work ethic, opportunity withers; without education, initiative falters. The formula demands balance, for each element strengthens the others. Industry is not born of chance, but of character woven together with liberty. Where one is lacking, the whole may fail. Where all are united, prosperity flows like a mighty river.

The lesson for us is plain. If you wish to build greatness in your life, in your family, in your community, do not wait for fortune to favor you. Cultivate initiative—take the first step when others hesitate. Embrace responsibility—carry the weight of your duties with honor. Strengthen your work ethic—let diligence be your daily companion. Pursue education—not only formal schooling, but lifelong learning in every season of life. And then, when freedom presents opportunity, you will be ready to build, to create, to prosper.

Practical actions flow from this wisdom. Rise each day with purpose, not idleness. When faced with challenge, ask not, “Who will help me?” but “What can I do?” Read, study, and train your mind, for ignorance is the enemy of progress. Serve your community, for industry is not only for oneself but for the good of all. And guard freedom, for without it, initiative, responsibility, labor, and learning are shackled. In this way, you join character with opportunity, and from that union comes abundance.

So let Covey’s words be etched into the heart: “Initiative, responsibility, work ethic, and education—together with free enterprise—create the chemistry for industry.” This is no idle observation but a truth proved by peoples and nations across time. Take hold of it, live by it, and you will not only prosper yourself, but add to the wealth of generations to come.