Annihilation Quote by Neal A. Maxwell
“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!”
About This Quote
Source Book: Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, Neal A. Maxwell, 1995
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.
![“It is possible to know when, at least basically, we please God. In fact, Joseph Smith taught that one of the conditions of genuine faith is to have "an actual knowledge that the course of life which [one] is pursuing is according to [God's] will."” quote by Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2a5/neal-a-maxwell-925_conditions_it-is-possible-to-know-when-at-least-bas_172758.jpg)
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