John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was a Norwegian-American scientist, author, and religious leader. Born in Frøya, Norway, he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1883. Widtsoe was a prominent figure in both academia and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He earned degrees from Harvard University and the University of Göttingen. Widtsoe served as president of Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University) and the University of Utah. In 1921, he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where he served until his death. Widtsoe was known for his work on dry farming and irrigation, and he authored several influential books on these subjects. He also contributed significantly to LDS theology and education, writing extensively on religious topics and serving as a commissioner of Church education.
John A. Widtsoe Quotes - 377 quotes
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The Great Plan provided that man should come upon earth with the memory of his past taken from him, so that, beginning his earth-life as a child, he might repeat on earth the efforts that earned for him progress in the pre-existent life. Even Adam and Eve forgot the details of their previous lives, for it was necessary that all be under the same law, and that no strength be derived from the memory of pre-existent experiences.
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