Education for eternity

Brigham Young University is a distinguished educational institution known for its unique mission and its commitment with the intention to providing students with appropriate education and organize it to prepare them not only for successful careers but also beyond that, which means more meaningful purposes. Spencer W. Kimball’s speech “Education for Eternity” in 1967 emphasized that BYU’s purpose and identity integrate both, secular and spiritual education dimensions. Spencer W. Kimball's talk highlights the unique mission of Brigham Young University, a balance between secular and spiritual life, loyalty, and integrity.

Spencer W. Kimball commences by emphasizing the unique BYU’s mission as a natural part of the institution. This uniqueness of BYU established that the special role “concerns— about curricular and behavioral—for not only the “whole man” but for the “eternal man.” (Spencer W. Kimball, 1967), emphasizing that its purpose extends beyond the pursuit of knowledge for success. In addition, he highlights the importance of teaching students to seek a broader perspective that prepares them to retain spiritual truths and eternal principles.

Another topic highlighted in Kimball’s speech is the balance between secular and spiritual life. In order to accomplish that, it’s indispensable to embrace excellence and strive for greatness. This combination challenges students to realize their full potential, not only in terms of acquiring knowledge but also in terms of developing their character. It encourages them to become individuals who also express the virtues of integrity, compassion, and service to others.

Loyalty to the gospel, the Church, and BYU's mission is another key aspect of the university's unique mission. Kimball points out that faculty members should maintain firm faith in the divinity of the gospel and the truth of the Church. Integrity is an unchanging quality and living a life consistent with the principles of the gospel is expected. This loyalty and integrity, Kimball suggests, are essential not only for faculty but also for students who look up to them as examples. By developing an environment of solid commitment to these values, BYU objects to cultivate a community of students deeply dedicated to their faith and moral principles, thus maintaining its distinct mission and character.

Kimball’s vision supports perfectly the values braced by Brigham Young University, where education is not solely about personal gain but also about contributing to a better purpose. This vision inspires students, including those visiting the BYU English Language Center's website, to view their educational journey as an opportunity not only to excel academically but also to positively impact the world.

Spencer W. Kimball's speech underscores Brigham Young University's exceptional mission, the pleasant integration of secular and spiritual dimensions, and the significance of loyalty and integrity inside this institution. This distinctive mission, attached with the expectation of loyalty and integrity from its faculty and students, circles BYU apart as an example of education that prepares individuals not just for success in this life but for an eternity of growth, service, and association with heavenly persons.

Bibliography

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/spencer-w-kimball/education-eternity/