"Some things are changeless—priceless. We must anchor ourselves to the eternal verities of life, for life is   eternal. The honors of men more often than not are fleeting. Anxious to run after the honors of office or succumb to the pressures of public glamour and worldly acclaim, some of us are no longer willing to stand up for all the principles of the gospel. We seek to justify our unrighteousness by claiming that if only we can get title or position, then think of the good we can do. Hence we lose our salvation en route to those honors. We sometimes look among our numbers to find one to whom we can point who agrees with us, so we can have company to justify our apostasy."

Excellent Talk  http://scriptures.byu.edu/gettalk.php?ID=1361

The Book of Mormon narrative is a chronicle of nations long since gone. But in its descriptions of the problems of today’s society, it is as current as the morning newspaper and much more definitive, inspired, and inspiring concerning the solutions of those problems.

I know of no other writing which sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on the Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. But with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living. These evil schemers led the people into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions and the final and total extinction of two great civilizations in two different eras.

No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to His commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard Him and His word, there comes a decay that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death. The Book of Mormon is an affirmation of the Old Testament proverb: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).

The God of heaven spoke to these people of the Americas through prophets, telling them where true security could be found: “Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12).

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/08/a-testimony-vibrant-and-true?lang=eng

When we are right, let's try to win people tactfully and gently to our way of thinking; and when we are wrong-- and that will be surprisingly often, if we are honest with ourselves-- let's admit our mistakes quickly and with enthusiasm. Not only will that technique produce some astonishing results; but believe it or not, it is a lot more fun, under the circumstances, than trying to defend oneself.

By fighting, you never get enough. By yielding, you get more than you expected.

I have found it of enormous value when I permit myself to understand the other person.

You will never get into any trouble by admitting that you are wrong. that will stop all argument and inspire your opponent to be just as fair and open and broad-minded as you are. It will make him want to admit that he, too, may be wrong.

A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.

There is only one way under high heaven to get the best of an argument-- that is to avoid it. Avoid it as you would rattlesnakes and earthquakes.

Why prove to a man that he is wrong? Is that going to make him like you? Why not let him save his face? he didn't ask for your opinion. He didn't want it. Why argue with him? Always avoid the acute angle.

The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success. They feel worthwhile as individuals if the numbers beneath them in achievement, talent, beauty, or intellect are large enough. Pride is ugly. It says, “If you succeed, I am a failure.”