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The Abundant Life
Hugh B. Brown (born 1883) served in the First Presidency of the LDS church from 1961 to 1970—one of the most turbulent decades of the Latter-day Saint history. During these years he proved to be a compassionate and tolerant member of the church’s general authorities. Shortly before his death, his grandson conducted the in-depth, candid interviews that appear in An Abundant Life, a refreshing look at one of Mormonism’s best-loved leaders.
302 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1965
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 21, 2018
I really like Hugh B. Brown and so I really liked this book.
Lots of faith-promoting stories, but ALSO, and more interestingly some very frank opinions and discussions of GAs and the inner workings of the upper echelons of the Church.
He talks about how he fought the priesthood ban, arguing that there was no doctrinal justification for it. He talks about the limitations and faults of certain higher ups. And, he talks about how some people get a position of authority like that and become arrogant.
He WARNS against trusting ANY authority, no matter who. He expresses the opinion that free thinking and truth seeking are more important than orthodoxy or obedience to authority. YAY!!
I was struck by how he was able to discuss things that if he were to publish today, would never fly. Like his disagreement with a certain policy, or implying that there are politics and jockeying for position in the upper echelons. Of course, anyone who has a clear eyed view of things, would assume this is so. But, nowadays members have become somewhat worshipful of GAs, which is dangerous, in my opinion.
It was just a very refreshing take on things. You don't get this kind of openness and candor with people high in the Church anymore. They are very very careful.
I'll put in some quotes, so you'll know what I'm talking about:
"It was during these trips, and especially because of my letters home to my family, that I realized that we cannot always express all we think and that we feel some things which are deeper than thought. Each one of us lives in a world of his own."
"With respect to people feeling that whatever the brethren say is gospel, this tends to undermine the proposition of freedom of speech and thought. . . .I am afraid, however, that this is not as generally accepted or followed today as it ought to be. Some of the brethren have been willing to submit to the inference that what they have said was pronounced under the influence of the inspiration of the Lord and that it therefore was the will of the Lord. . . .Again we are only bound by the four standard works and are not required to defend what any man or woman says outside of them. Official statements of the First Presidency that have not been submitted to the membership of the church for its approval are matters of temporary policy only."
This is perhaps my favorite quote. It nearly made me cry: "As I have sat beside the bed of my wife, Zina, who is sorely afflicted by reason of a stroke, and have seen her gradually decline, I have tried to match my own accomplishments and my own weaknesses with hers, and, not wishing to be sentimental or emotional, I think the greatest person I have ever known is my wife."
"We must preserve freedom of the mind in the church and resist all efforts to suppress it. The church is not so much concerned with whether the thoughts of its members are orthodox or heterodox as it is that they shall have thoughts."
Really wish this guy was in charge.
Lots of faith-promoting stories, but ALSO, and more interestingly some very frank opinions and discussions of GAs and the inner workings of the upper echelons of the Church.
He talks about how he fought the priesthood ban, arguing that there was no doctrinal justification for it. He talks about the limitations and faults of certain higher ups. And, he talks about how some people get a position of authority like that and become arrogant.
He WARNS against trusting ANY authority, no matter who. He expresses the opinion that free thinking and truth seeking are more important than orthodoxy or obedience to authority. YAY!!
I was struck by how he was able to discuss things that if he were to publish today, would never fly. Like his disagreement with a certain policy, or implying that there are politics and jockeying for position in the upper echelons. Of course, anyone who has a clear eyed view of things, would assume this is so. But, nowadays members have become somewhat worshipful of GAs, which is dangerous, in my opinion.
It was just a very refreshing take on things. You don't get this kind of openness and candor with people high in the Church anymore. They are very very careful.
I'll put in some quotes, so you'll know what I'm talking about:
"It was during these trips, and especially because of my letters home to my family, that I realized that we cannot always express all we think and that we feel some things which are deeper than thought. Each one of us lives in a world of his own."
"With respect to people feeling that whatever the brethren say is gospel, this tends to undermine the proposition of freedom of speech and thought. . . .I am afraid, however, that this is not as generally accepted or followed today as it ought to be. Some of the brethren have been willing to submit to the inference that what they have said was pronounced under the influence of the inspiration of the Lord and that it therefore was the will of the Lord. . . .Again we are only bound by the four standard works and are not required to defend what any man or woman says outside of them. Official statements of the First Presidency that have not been submitted to the membership of the church for its approval are matters of temporary policy only."
This is perhaps my favorite quote. It nearly made me cry: "As I have sat beside the bed of my wife, Zina, who is sorely afflicted by reason of a stroke, and have seen her gradually decline, I have tried to match my own accomplishments and my own weaknesses with hers, and, not wishing to be sentimental or emotional, I think the greatest person I have ever known is my wife."
"We must preserve freedom of the mind in the church and resist all efforts to suppress it. The church is not so much concerned with whether the thoughts of its members are orthodox or heterodox as it is that they shall have thoughts."
Really wish this guy was in charge.
June 28, 2025
As my faith continues to evolve and mature and I seek role models on whom I can pattern myself after, President Brown is truly an inspiration. Even though he passed away (1975) before I joined The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints, I will be returning many times to this book in search of who I want to become in my faith. President Brown was a man who was not afraid to go against the norms of his times in the Church. He was one of a very few who in recent history was a proud Democrat. He was one of a very few who within the Church could not accept the Church’s stand on the priesthood/temple ban for Blacks. And he and members of his family believed he payed dearly for it in his last years as his position in the Church was reduced and denigrated by many of his fellow General Authorities. Until the ban was lifted. And then his stand wasn’t…but he had already passed away.
Like I’ve mentioned, I will be returning to this book in the future in search of inspiration to do the right thing even when the going and acceptability will be tough.
His life is truly inspirational to me.
Addendum: I forgot to mention that Dr. Mathew L. Harris, author of ‘Second Class Saints’, is writing a biography of President Hugh B. Brown. I don’t know when the publication date is but I’ll be sure to get myself a copy.
Like I’ve mentioned, I will be returning to this book in the future in search of inspiration to do the right thing even when the going and acceptability will be tough.
His life is truly inspirational to me.
Addendum: I forgot to mention that Dr. Mathew L. Harris, author of ‘Second Class Saints’, is writing a biography of President Hugh B. Brown. I don’t know when the publication date is but I’ll be sure to get myself a copy.
November 2, 2025
BOOK REVIEW - An Abundant Life, The Memoirs of Hugh B. Brown by Hugh B. Brown, edited by Edwin B. Firmage (2003)
An Abundant Life is one of the most thoughtful and candid personal memoirs ever written by a modern Latter-day Saint leader. Compiled and edited by his grandson, Edwin B. Firmage, the book captures both the private heart and the public voice of a man whose spiritual depth, intellectual independence, and compassion shaped the mid-20th century Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brown’s story unfolds from his early years in Granger, Utah, where his family’s modest pioneer home instilled in him discipline and self-reliance. He developed a lifelong affection for learning and personal integrity. His service in the Canadian military during World War I profoundly affected him, exposing him to tragedy but also to the moral courage of ordinary people. After the war, Brown practiced law in Canada, often struggling financially as he balanced professional demands with Church service and family responsibilities.
He later returned to Utah, serving as a lawyer, educator, and ecclesiastical leader. His Church career included service as a mission president, an assistant to the Twelve, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and ultimately as a counselor in the First Presidency under President David O. McKay. Throughout, Brown remained a champion of compassion, tolerance, and moral courage in leadership—values that often placed him at the thoughtful edge of orthodoxy.
What distinguishes Brown’s memoir is his unwavering honesty. He is forthright about personal doubts, setbacks, and moments of disappointment, yet his tone is always hopeful. He urged members to think deeply, to question fearlessly, and to trust that God would not be offended by honest inquiry. Brown saw faith as an evolving process, not a static possession. His writing is often infused with a lawyer’s logic, a soldier’s discipline, and a prophet’s humility.
His reflections on Church leadership and human diversity were progressive. He called for empathy in judgment, for openness in belief, and for a Church that welcomes the honest doubter as warmly as the faithful believer. The book’s title—An Abundant Life—aptly captures his conviction that spiritual abundance flows from compassion, humility, and courage to act according to conscience.
Firmage’s editing preserves Brown’s warm humor, rich language, and deep humanity. The resulting memoir feels as though Brown himself is speaking—calmly, directly, and with affection for the reader. His words invite reflection on what it means to live a life both devoted to God and true to self.
Brown’s legacy lies not merely in his leadership, but in the model he offered of moral independence within faith. His was a life not of luxury or ease, but of purpose—anchored in the conviction that abundance is measured in integrity, not wealth.
On a personal note that led to me reading the book was a warm and close relationship between my father and Elder Brown. They met during WWII when Elder Brown was responsible for LDS military service members and my Dad was the group leader of the LDS soldiers in his boot camp. Them met on a visit to the camp by Elder Brown and maintained a lifelong friendship and correspondence. Reading those letters a few years ago led me to learn more about Elder Brown.
Quotes:
“God did not intend that we should be automatons. He gave us minds and the ability to reason and choose. I believe that faith and reason are not enemies but allies in the search for truth. Fear should never be the basis of obedience, nor ignorance the foundation of faith.”
“I am not afraid of the future. Truth has nothing to fear from investigation. If we have the whole truth, then continuing inquiry will only confirm it; if we have part of it, then continuing inquiry is essential to discover more. The honest doubter, the seeker, and the humble believer are all children of the same God, and He will not turn any away who come to Him in sincerity.”
An Abundant Life is one of the most thoughtful and candid personal memoirs ever written by a modern Latter-day Saint leader. Compiled and edited by his grandson, Edwin B. Firmage, the book captures both the private heart and the public voice of a man whose spiritual depth, intellectual independence, and compassion shaped the mid-20th century Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brown’s story unfolds from his early years in Granger, Utah, where his family’s modest pioneer home instilled in him discipline and self-reliance. He developed a lifelong affection for learning and personal integrity. His service in the Canadian military during World War I profoundly affected him, exposing him to tragedy but also to the moral courage of ordinary people. After the war, Brown practiced law in Canada, often struggling financially as he balanced professional demands with Church service and family responsibilities.
He later returned to Utah, serving as a lawyer, educator, and ecclesiastical leader. His Church career included service as a mission president, an assistant to the Twelve, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and ultimately as a counselor in the First Presidency under President David O. McKay. Throughout, Brown remained a champion of compassion, tolerance, and moral courage in leadership—values that often placed him at the thoughtful edge of orthodoxy.
What distinguishes Brown’s memoir is his unwavering honesty. He is forthright about personal doubts, setbacks, and moments of disappointment, yet his tone is always hopeful. He urged members to think deeply, to question fearlessly, and to trust that God would not be offended by honest inquiry. Brown saw faith as an evolving process, not a static possession. His writing is often infused with a lawyer’s logic, a soldier’s discipline, and a prophet’s humility.
His reflections on Church leadership and human diversity were progressive. He called for empathy in judgment, for openness in belief, and for a Church that welcomes the honest doubter as warmly as the faithful believer. The book’s title—An Abundant Life—aptly captures his conviction that spiritual abundance flows from compassion, humility, and courage to act according to conscience.
Firmage’s editing preserves Brown’s warm humor, rich language, and deep humanity. The resulting memoir feels as though Brown himself is speaking—calmly, directly, and with affection for the reader. His words invite reflection on what it means to live a life both devoted to God and true to self.
Brown’s legacy lies not merely in his leadership, but in the model he offered of moral independence within faith. His was a life not of luxury or ease, but of purpose—anchored in the conviction that abundance is measured in integrity, not wealth.
On a personal note that led to me reading the book was a warm and close relationship between my father and Elder Brown. They met during WWII when Elder Brown was responsible for LDS military service members and my Dad was the group leader of the LDS soldiers in his boot camp. Them met on a visit to the camp by Elder Brown and maintained a lifelong friendship and correspondence. Reading those letters a few years ago led me to learn more about Elder Brown.
Quotes:
“God did not intend that we should be automatons. He gave us minds and the ability to reason and choose. I believe that faith and reason are not enemies but allies in the search for truth. Fear should never be the basis of obedience, nor ignorance the foundation of faith.”
“I am not afraid of the future. Truth has nothing to fear from investigation. If we have the whole truth, then continuing inquiry will only confirm it; if we have part of it, then continuing inquiry is essential to discover more. The honest doubter, the seeker, and the humble believer are all children of the same God, and He will not turn any away who come to Him in sincerity.”
June 9, 2009
Hugh B. Brown is in many ways the only Grand Ole Liberal to serve in the First Presidency of the Mormon church, and here is his life in his own words.
The format of the book is interesting. I expected a typical biography, but the book is actually an oral account President Brown dictated to his grandson late in his life. The material was used in an earlier biography, but this book presents the entire account in one short book. The oral history gives the book a nice chatty feel, much like listening to fascinating stories from your own grandpa for a few hours.
The last three chapters of the book are the reason to read it. President Brown gives a very interesting account of his experience as the lone liberal voice in the high ranks of the LDS church during the 1960s, a tumultuous time for Mormons and for America. While I don't agree with a lot of his politics myself, I appreciate President Brown's example that devotion to the Mormon Church does not require adherence to the Republican party. He was a fine man.
The format of the book is interesting. I expected a typical biography, but the book is actually an oral account President Brown dictated to his grandson late in his life. The material was used in an earlier biography, but this book presents the entire account in one short book. The oral history gives the book a nice chatty feel, much like listening to fascinating stories from your own grandpa for a few hours.
The last three chapters of the book are the reason to read it. President Brown gives a very interesting account of his experience as the lone liberal voice in the high ranks of the LDS church during the 1960s, a tumultuous time for Mormons and for America. While I don't agree with a lot of his politics myself, I appreciate President Brown's example that devotion to the Mormon Church does not require adherence to the Republican party. He was a fine man.
July 27, 2020
I was predisposed to like Hugh B. Brown because he was a family friend of my beloved paternal grandfather and his family in Lethbridge, Alberta (and again in Glendale, California) and a meaningful influence on and model for him from the time he was a young man. But in reading these memoirs it wasn't long before I came to love him for himself. He led a life wide in experience and deep in devotion and I find that as I approach my own middle age I crave the wisdom of aged experience and discipleship. And it's all here in abundance.
This is, I believe, out of print and unreasonably expensive on Amazon, but better priced on Thriftbooks (last time I checked). It is worth your time and I highly recommend it.
This is, I believe, out of print and unreasonably expensive on Amazon, but better priced on Thriftbooks (last time I checked). It is worth your time and I highly recommend it.
November 9, 2020
Loved the book
I heard Hugh B. Brown speak in Portland, Oregon right after I joined the Church, probably late fall 19698. He was wonderful. I loved his voice. I can't remember what he said but I remember coming away with more live of the gospel. I bought his record that had "The Gardner" and his defense of the Church with that man in England, i had it for many years and played it often. Finally, one of my children broke the record. Thank you for helping me learn more about Hugh B. Brown and love him even more.
I heard Hugh B. Brown speak in Portland, Oregon right after I joined the Church, probably late fall 19698. He was wonderful. I loved his voice. I can't remember what he said but I remember coming away with more live of the gospel. I bought his record that had "The Gardner" and his defense of the Church with that man in England, i had it for many years and played it often. Finally, one of my children broke the record. Thank you for helping me learn more about Hugh B. Brown and love him even more.
January 28, 2026
His testimony at the end is especially good. He was a very open minded, ahead of his time apostle. He had lots of life experience to draw on and share as lessons applicable in our own lives. Even though some of this was over 100 years ago, it echos as helpful to a modern reader. Fantastic memoir that was very well written, I was impressed.
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed reading about this interesting church leader. He was a Canadian cowboy, a lawyer, father to a slew of kids, and a staunch Democrat, among other things. He didn’t always do things by the book, but he had a lot of good wisdom to impart.
January 27, 2026
A remarkable man
March 15, 2013
The book I read was a collection of his talks. I fell absolutely head over heels in love with him by page 100. What an amazing man. There are so many quotes I adored.
One side note: I have seen some poorly edited books in my time but this one took the cake. There were many words like cooooould and wouuuld that were just mind blowing. Made you wonder if it even was edited. But, I think he is just the best example of manhood around.
pg 27: Let down your buckets: they had the power to save themselves but they did not know it.
42: self denial
84: learn continually
105: self control
115; Sir Walter Scott: Teach self denial and make its practice pleasurable, and you can create for the world a destiny more sublime than ever issued form the brain of the wildest dreamer.
Robert Louis Stevenson: You cannont run away from a weakness. You must sometime fight it out or perish, and if that be so why not now, and where you stand.
193: How foolish would be the traveler who would become discouraged along the way because of difficulties, give up the trip, and therby forget the reward that was promised! What the wise traveler does is make repairs, purchase extra parts if necessary, and travel on.
221: Life is a beautiful symphony. It offers such marvelous opportunities. Life is calling to all of us, 'Be more alive, be more aware.'
One side note: I have seen some poorly edited books in my time but this one took the cake. There were many words like cooooould and wouuuld that were just mind blowing. Made you wonder if it even was edited. But, I think he is just the best example of manhood around.
pg 27: Let down your buckets: they had the power to save themselves but they did not know it.
42: self denial
84: learn continually
105: self control
115; Sir Walter Scott: Teach self denial and make its practice pleasurable, and you can create for the world a destiny more sublime than ever issued form the brain of the wildest dreamer.
Robert Louis Stevenson: You cannont run away from a weakness. You must sometime fight it out or perish, and if that be so why not now, and where you stand.
193: How foolish would be the traveler who would become discouraged along the way because of difficulties, give up the trip, and therby forget the reward that was promised! What the wise traveler does is make repairs, purchase extra parts if necessary, and travel on.
221: Life is a beautiful symphony. It offers such marvelous opportunities. Life is calling to all of us, 'Be more alive, be more aware.'
October 5, 2014
Authentic glimpse into a great mind with a candid/ecumenical character. I really respect the way Elder Brown always seemed to seek the space where thoughtfulness and faithfulness could not only coexist - but actually compliment one another.
"While I believe all that God has revealed, I am not quite sure I understand what he has revealed, and the fact that God has promised further revelation is to me a challenge to keep an open mind and be prepared to follow wherever my search for truth may lead ... And while all Mormons should respect, support, and heed the teachings of the authorities of the church, no one should accept a statement and base his or her testimony upon it, no matter who makes it ..." Hugh B. Brown
He proposed that an emeritus status be created for all GAs (including the 12 & 1st Pres.) to try to help ensure new blood could help thoughtfulness (open-mindedness etc.) keep pace with faithfulness. A truncated version (for lower level GAs) was instituted by Kimball - but unfortunately not adopted (yet) for the top brass . . .
A man of his time who was definitively ahead of his time. "Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio . . . ?"
"While I believe all that God has revealed, I am not quite sure I understand what he has revealed, and the fact that God has promised further revelation is to me a challenge to keep an open mind and be prepared to follow wherever my search for truth may lead ... And while all Mormons should respect, support, and heed the teachings of the authorities of the church, no one should accept a statement and base his or her testimony upon it, no matter who makes it ..." Hugh B. Brown
He proposed that an emeritus status be created for all GAs (including the 12 & 1st Pres.) to try to help ensure new blood could help thoughtfulness (open-mindedness etc.) keep pace with faithfulness. A truncated version (for lower level GAs) was instituted by Kimball - but unfortunately not adopted (yet) for the top brass . . .
A man of his time who was definitively ahead of his time. "Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio . . . ?"
October 31, 2012
The book I read was not the memoirs of Hugh B. Brown. It was titled An Abundant Life. It was, rather, a collection of his talks. As in any collection, there were parts that spoke especially to me and others that did not appeal to me. I enjoyed them more, I think, because I heard him speak in person at a youth conference at Morehead State University. I marked some of my favorites of his quotes in the back of the book. One was from an ancient prayer: "From the cowardice that shrinks from new truth, From the laziness that is content with half truth, From the arrogance that thinks it knows all the truth, O God of truth, deliver us."
December 12, 2009
3.5 stars. I admire the man and enjoyed reading about his life, but the grandson who wrote the book edited in a "warts and all" manner. I'm sure he could have included lots more inspiring information, but considering the publisher--Signature Books--it's not surprising that it was written the way it was. Their books usually have an unpleasant undercurrent.
January 27, 2010
I enjoyed this little bio put together by Brown's grandson. Over an 18-month period, he had taped his grandfather's oral memories on an old reel-to-reel machine. So most of this book is in Hugh B. Brown's words. It was fun to learn his opinions regarding the other brethren he served with as well as to read letters written to his wife-to-be. All in all, a very pleasant and uplifting read.
May 19, 2011
I enjoyed this book. Hugh B Brown had a diverse and interesting life. I first fell in love with his classic speeches and wanted to learn more about him. He always put the Lord first and had faith that things would work out, even through persecution. The stories about his political endeavors and his business exploits were very interesting.
July 4, 2012
3 of my children read this and encouraged me (or nagged me) to read it also. I'm glad that they did. It was really interesting and I'm glad to get to know Hugh B. Brown a little better. In fact, I have downloaded some of his talks to listen to.
February 29, 2008
I love reading and learning about people and the wonderful lives they have lived.
February 16, 2011
Quick and enjoyable read...
January 29, 2014
Loved this so much. I knew nothing about Hugh Brown and now he is one of my heroes. Get to know him if you've ever wondered whether "liberal" and "faithful" have to be oxymorons!
December 25, 2025
Interesting read.
July 13, 2008
Brief but worth the read. Another LDS leader biography that shaped my views.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews