Skip to content

To one degree or another we all struggle with selfishness…

“To one degree or another we all struggle with selfishness. Since it is so common, why worry about selfishness anyway? Because selfishness is really self-destruction in slow motion. No wonder the Prophet Joseph Smith urged, "Let every selfish feeling be not only buried, but annihilated" (Teachings…” quote by Neal A. Maxwell
Download Open image
“To one degree or another we all struggle with selfishness. Since it is so common, why worry about selfishness anyway? Because selfishness is really self-destruction in slow motion. No wonder the Prophet Joseph Smith urged, "Let every selfish feeling be not only buried, but annihilated" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 178). Hence annihilation - not moderation - is the destination! . . . Meekness is the real cure, for it does not merely mask selfishness but dissolves it!”

Neal A. Maxwell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Selfishness leads to self-destruction; true cure is meekness that dissolves selfish motives.

In simple terms: Selfishness harms; meekness heals.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humility to overcome selfish impulses.

Themes

humility self-improvement spiritual growth

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

spiritual ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution
  • mental health
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

selfishness self-destruction meekness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can you take to practice meekness?
  • How does humility transform selfish behavior?
A Different Perspective

Meekness may be misunderstood as weakness; requires balance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Neal A. Maxwell

Explore all 328 Neal A. Maxwell quotes

More Annihilation quotes

Browse all 244 Annihilation quotes