What ended up happening though, as I watched Elder Bednar finish conference with that masterpiece, I couldn't help but put some analysis into it. The thing that really impressed me, and increased my respect for Elder Bednar was his use of authoritative maxims and proverbs as we learned from our topics of invention.
As if it wasn't enough to establish his ethos with the authoritative quote of one former prophet, Elder Bednar chose to quote proverbs from the last six prophets and apostles that have passed away. He loved these men, and it was evident in his desire to remind us of the profound things they have said in the past. The reminder of these proverbs was a very powerful way to end the conference, and I know it was truly inspired.
The interesting thing is, by using this authoritative method, Elder Bednar is now, one of those authorities for millions of others who wish to establish their own ethos. That is what we do, we want to support our claims, and statements, until it gets to the point where our own claims and statements can be used as a proverb or maxim. It is almost like a cycle.
