“An Exceedingly Curious Man”

Near the end of the book of Alma, Mormon tells us about an extensive migration of Nephites to “the land northward,” initiated by “an exceedingly curious man” named Hagoth (Alma 63:5). I suppose that he was “curious,” or unusual, because he championed a new and risky venture and convinced lots of people get on board. “Entrepreneurial” might be an appropriate adjective.

The Nephites already knew something about the land north of them. Morianton had tried to lead his people to “the land which was northward, which was covered with large bodies of water” (Alma 50:29). Amalackiah had marched with the Lamanite army straight through the Nephite lands, hoping to “take possession of the land Bountiful, and also the land northward” (Alma 51:30).

Mormon later offers a more extensive description. There were “large bodies of water and many rivers” (Helaman 3:4), but hardly any trees. The lack of timber was so problematic, that they were extremely protective of the few trees they had. “they did suffer whatsoever tree should spring up upon the face of the land that it should grow up, that in time they might have timber” (Helaman 3:9). In the meantime, they learned to build houses out of cement, and they imported timber from the south. (See Helaman 3:7, 10.)

Helaman’s sons, Nephi and Lehi, traveled to the northern lands with a number of converted Lamanites to preach the gospel to the people there. (See Helaman 6:6, Helaman 7:1-3.)

All of this migration began with Hagoth’s ships, which carried thousands of people to these northern lands, including Alma’s son Corianton. (See Alma 63:4, 10.)

Why did Mormon highlight this event? Maybe to establish the context for the future activities in the northern lands. Maybe to emphasize the pioneering spirit which returned to the Nephites after the Great War with the Lamanites was over. Maybe to encourage us not to be afraid to try new things.

Here’s another lesson from this story: Don’t be dismissive of curious people with unusual ideas. I have many times rejected suggestions which didn’t seem practical but which turned out in the end to be very successful. In those situations, I would have been better off showing respect for the innovator and looking for reasonable ways to test and further develop the idea.

Today, I will be open to the suggestions and ideas of the people around me. When a proposal seems strange, or even “exceedingly curious,” I’ll give it a chance, recognizing that forward progress often requires us to do things differently.