“How important is a formal education?”

Answer/Brother John M. R. Covey

A very helpful statement concerning the importance of learning was given in a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio. It says, “Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

“Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

“That ye may be prepared in all things … to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you.” (D&C 88:78–80.)

It appears that the Lord considered a whole and complete range of learning important if we are to magnify our callings and fulfill our life’s purpose. In order to attain this knowledge, a person needs to be aware of the sources of learning available to him.

There are two sources of learning—one divine and the other human. In the realm of human learning, those with formal educations tend to have more influential positions, make more money, are generally listened to by the world, and are more often found to be the leaders over those without formal educations, in most organizations, at least. The facts of the world are clear—“Fortune favors the best prepared.”

In the realm of divine learning, Elder Bruce R. McConkie best expresses my thoughts: “True religion deals with spiritual things. We do not come to a knowledge of God and his laws through intellectuality or by research or by reason. … In their sphere, education and intellectuality are devoutly to be desired. But when contrasted with spiritual endowments, they are of but slight and passing worth. From an eternal perspective, what each of us needs is a Ph.D. in faith and righteousness. The things that will profit us everlastingly are not the power to reason, but the ability to receive revelation; not the truths learned by study, but the knowledge gained by faith; not what we know about the things of the world, but our knowledge of God and his laws.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign, June 1971, pp. 77–78.)

Years ago, President Marion G. Romney gave a group of college graduates a threefold guide to learning, both formal and personal that I believe applies to everyone. I recommend you commit it to memory. It is as follows:

First, recognize there are two sources of learning, one divine and the other human; second, drink deeply from both sources; third, correctly distinguish between human learning (the learning of the world) and revealed truth, and put your ultimate faith in revealed truth. (See Marion G. Romney, Baccalaureate Services, BYU, May 30, 1957.)

My answer to the question above is that formal education is often important in attaining worldly influence, and individual study, prayer, and righteous living are absolutely essential in attaining spiritual influence. I feel that the challenge to every member of the Church is to strive to combine the two—formal educational training and personal, prayerful study and righteous living. As Jacob warns, this combination is not easy but most desirable:

“O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

“But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. ” (2 Ne. 9:28–29. Italics added)