Not many people have had the opportunity to read this book because it has been out of print for decades. When the owner of RFM read a copy, he decided to bring it back into print so others could benefit from the solid principles and pearls of wisdom found in this book. It was written around 1950 and the language is a bit oldie sounding but, the principles are ROCK SOLID! Widtsoe had his finger on the pulse. He saw the writing on the wall.
The book is written as an analysis of the “Word of Wisdom” which refers to the “health code” for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The book references the Doctine and Covenants a LDS book of scripture considered to have revelations from God.
We thought we would give you one or two of Widstoe’s profound statements and somehow ended up with a list of 47 (and we could have continued). Pick up the book next time you are in the store – you will be wiser for it.
THE WORD OF WISDOM by John A. Widtsoe
- p. 4, 5. Infectious diseases are diminishing; chronic or degenerative diseases are increasing. Poor nutrition is a cause, for as we eat so is the composition of the blood stream, the nature-provided healing agent of the body
- p. 6. The question is not wholly one of length of life, but one as well of good health while life endures.
- p. 8. Degenerative diseases do not attack healthy tissues.
- p. 12. Daily errors may not be noticed at the time, but finally break down the resistance of the body and allow disease… nature has no favorites.
- p. 22. Innocent persons may often be misled by those of evil designs to do things injurious to health.
- p. 26. Warning about women’s cosmetics containing dangerous, often poisonous substances.
- p. 26. The best protection against food fraud is to use natural foods and food products, even though the cost may seem higher.
- p. 31. Eating out of packages, cans, bottles, provide opportunities for fraud.
- p. 35. A food is a substance, that when taken into the body builds repairs and nourishes the tissues and cells of the body; provides heat and supplies energy for the processes of life. Alcohol is not a food.
- p. 58, 59. Tobacco leaves contain a highly poisonous substance called nicotine. A person who takes poison into his system naturally should expect injury to follow.
- p. 79. Hot drink “contains small quantities of several substances of questionable value to man…”
- p. 93. Do’s of Word of Wisdom. Keep the body well nourished…that is the best defense against an unnatural appetite.
- p. 94. That doesn’t mean that one should be always fussing about one’s food or be conscious of every mouthful eaten. It does mean all should learn the best food practice and why certain foods are conducive to health or disease.
- p. 95. Don’t jump to conclusions about truths discovered. Don’t blindly accept unproven hypotheses of investigators.
- p. 96. It is the duty of everyone to learn the facts concerning human nutrition… to accept confirmed truth and reject unfounded hypotheses. It is not enough to have knowledge; one must apply and use knowledge if one would be wise.
- p. 97. The six groups of food constituents: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, mineral salts, vitamins and water.
- p. 102. We cannot directly use the elements of air and soil, but depend on plants preparing it for us.
- p. 105. Outer layers, germ, peelings contain indispensable minerals and vitamins.
- p. 106. Fertile Soil. Necessary minerals.
- p. 110. Crossness, tiredness, misbehavior and all other symptoms of problem cases in child/adults, result when the blood has too little calcium.
- p. 119. A lemon a day keeps the doctor away.
- p. 120. Herb: all plants which are good for food.
- p. 122. The great Builder of the earth provided well for the physical needs of His children.
- p. 127. Prepare vegetables only when ready to use. Don’t overcook them. High temps destroy vitamins, toughens proteins, changes flavor.
- p. 136. Health is possible on vegetarian diet, if one understands and facts of complete nutrition, but it is unwise for growing children and adults too … proteins are needed daily for growth and repair of tissues.
- p. 140. Certain substances in all fresh foods bring health.
- p. 142. Test of a good diet: 1) the promotion of normal growth; 2) health, vitality, energy, joy and pep in childhood, youth and into advanced age; 3) ability to give birth to vigorous healthy offspring and for children to possess same power.
- p. 146. Beginning of Vitamin discussion, symptoms, and foods containing certain vitamins.
- p. 197. Grains are high in carbohydrates and low in protein. (Wheat and oatmeal have more protein). The foods needed to supplement grains for a good diet are milk and eggs, fruits and vegetables.
- p. 203. Diseases have increased alarmingly since the refined milling of grain and cheap manufacture of sugar.
- p. 220. The valuable vitamins lost in milling white flour are vitally needed by the body.
- p. 228. Diets of nature people prove truths.
- p. 239. Fresh eggs and clean milk have highest value, 10 essential amino acids. An egg a day is highly desirable – especially for children.
- p. 259. Meats have the power to sustain life for a time if nothing else is eaten, provided that the blood and internal organs, heart, kidneys liver and brains are eaten.
- p. 262. Pure water is by far the most satisfying thirst quencher.
- p. 264. Vegetable juices are very desirable in the daily menu, for they contain an abundance of minerals and vitamins. (grain drinks/bran and barley good p. 286)
- p 271. Be wise and frugal. Use foresight, knowledge and good judgment.
- p. 272. If one is cheerful and thankful for all blessings, the food and drink will be greatly enhanced to his good.
- p. 272. Work is a blessing to man.
- p. 273. Proper rest is urged, especially sleep.
- p. 274. A correct mental attitude is necessary for good health.
- p. 274. An angry person does not digest his food well, and other bodily reactions are upset. “See that ye love one another…”
- p. 276. Strength, vigor of body, protection against disease, knowledge and wisdom.
- p. 282. Wisdom is more than knowledge. It implies the proper use of knowledge.
- p. 285. Good summary 1 though 8.
- p. 287. Parents are the keepers of the welfare of the coming generations.
- p. 287. Benefits: Disease will largely be overcome. Life will be lengthened and health will rule while life endures.
I how I loved reading through all of these! I had borrowed a hardback copy of this book over twenty years ago and it was one of the things that made a huge impact on the good changes I was making at that time. I was so impressed when I first discovered Realfoods how they had brought this book back into print. Thankyou for the wonderful list of quotes. A great way to revisit the good principles taught therein.