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Education Quote by Wilford Woodruff

“As the taste for what may be called book-learning increases, manual labor should not be neglected. The education of the mind and the education of the body should go hand in hand. A skillful brain should be joined with a skillful hand. Manual labor should be dignified among us and always be made…” quote by Wilford Woodruff
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““As the taste for what may be called book-learning increases, manual labor should not be neglected. The education of the mind and the education of the body should go hand in hand. A skillful brain should be joined with a skillful hand. Manual labor should be dignified among us and always be made honorable. The tendency, which is too common in these days, for young men to get a smattering of education and then think themselves unsuited for mechanical or other laborious pursuits is one that should not be allowed to grow among us…Every one should make it a matter of pride to be a producer, and not a consumer alone. Our children should be taught to sustain themselves by their own industry and skill, and not only do this, but to help sustain others, and that to do this by honest toil is one of the most honorable means which God has furnished to His children here on earth. The subject of the proper education of the youth of Zion is one of the greatest importance.””

Wilford Woodruff

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the Zion Youth, 1865

Education should balance intellectual study with practical labor, valuing both mind and body as complementary.

In simple terms: Combine learning with hands‑on work.

Key Takeaway

Value both mental and manual skills.

Themes

education work self‑reliance

Mood

pragmatic inspirational

Type

instructional philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • school curricula
  • vocational training
  • community projects

Key Concepts

holistic development dignity of labor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can schools integrate manual skills without sacrificing academic rigor?
  • What societal benefits arise when everyone contributes productively?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting intellectual growth can limit innovation.

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