Building Quote by Boyd K. Packer
“I have a hard time with historians because they idolize the truth. The truth is not uplifting; it destroys. I could tell most of the secretaries in the church office building that they are ugly and fat. That would be the truth, but it would hurt and destroy them. Historians should tell only that part of the truth that is inspiring and uplifting.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gospel Principles, 1978
Historians tend to present facts bluntly, but truth can be painful; they should emphasize uplifting aspects.
In simple terms: Truth can hurt; focus on inspiring parts.
Key Takeaway
Share truth with compassion.
Themes
history
truth
communication
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- public speaking
- media reporting
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance honesty with kindness?
- When is it okay to soften reality?
A Different Perspective
Uplifting truth may omit essential facts.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
