[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fhq42wYT5R7Kq7FTcmGw6uGEx5gnnNKqOtykVUn_2u2M":3,"$fL6xOHmYiXGypD3h33dtKN5iaY4tyLMAr4zk79Ki5oa4":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},3794,"Marvin J. Ashton","M",134,null,"marvin-j-ashton",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":77},[14,22,29,35,41,47,53,59,65,71],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},3265055,"Controversy and contention are weakening habits. If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives. Anger is a poor substitute for self-mastery and compassionate service.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":23,"quote_text":24,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":25,"source":26,"quote_tag":27,"commentary":28},3265054,"Once upon hearing a friend’s bashing comment I said, “Did you reach that conclusion on your own, or did it come through prayer?”",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nThis quote is attributed to Marvin J. Ashton, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The era in which he lived, marked by the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s, likely influenced his emphasis on the importance of seeking guidance through prayer. As a historian, I note that this quote is consistent with Ashton's known views on the role of faith in decision-making.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a counter-intuitive truth: the assumption that a critical or dismissive comment comes from independent thought is often a false one. In reality, such comments may be the result of external influences, including prayer or other forms of spiritual guidance. This insight highlights the tension between the desire for autonomy and the recognition that our thoughts and opinions are often shaped by factors beyond our control.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset in a modern context, consider asking yourself when a friend or colleague's criticism seems particularly biting or well-reasoned. Instead of assuming their opinion is solely the result of their own analysis, ask if they've been influenced by external factors, such as prayer or social pressures. By doing so, you can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the sources of their opinions and respond in a more thoughtful and empathetic way.",{"id":30,"quote_text":31,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":32,"source":33,"quote_tag":34,"commentary":9},3265052,"Look for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":36,"quote_text":37,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":38,"source":39,"quote_tag":40,"commentary":9},3265049,"I pray our Heavenly Father will help us to learn the truth that meaningful love is a continuing process that will bring joy and happiness to all participating parties. May we take the time to show our families, our friends, the stranger, our prophet, and our God that our declarations of love are backed up by performance by our daily lives, that we know for love to be acceptable to God and man it must be continuing and originate from within.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":42,"quote_text":43,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":44,"source":45,"quote_tag":46,"commentary":9},3265047,"When a mother asked her small child how he fell out of bed, he answered, “Because I wasn’t in far enough.” Let me just say in passing that it has been my experience that most people who fall out of the Church do so because they were not in far enough.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":48,"quote_text":49,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":50,"source":51,"quote_tag":52,"commentary":9},3265046,"How often have we ourselves said or have heard others exclaim in times of crisis or trouble, ‘I just don’t know where to turn’? If we will just use it, there is a gift available to all of us – the gift of looking to God for direction. Here is an avenue of strength, comfort, and guidance.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":54,"quote_text":55,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":56,"source":57,"quote_tag":58,"commentary":9},3265040,"Each of us has the challenge to know the Father and to become one with Him.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":60,"quote_text":61,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":62,"source":63,"quote_tag":64,"commentary":9},3265036,"Soft and small voice communications with our associates make priceless friendships possible. I am appreciative of people who find no need to raise their voices as they try to impress or convince. It seems most people who argue and shout have ceased listening to what the small voice could powerfully contribute.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":66,"quote_text":67,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":68,"source":69,"quote_tag":70,"commentary":9},3265030,"Someone has wisely stated that hate is not the opposite of love. Apathy is. We will not have time for apathy in life’s journey if we speak and think positively. Seek, search, and work for worthy eternal qualities and friends.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":72,"quote_text":73,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":74,"source":75,"quote_tag":76,"commentary":9},3265028,"Where you have been is not nearly as important as where you are and where you’re going.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"currentPage":78,"totalPages":79,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":80},1,14,10]