The Prophet Joseph Smith observed that death and the spirit world are subjects "we ought to study more than any other. . . . If we have claim on our Heavenly Father for anything, it is for knowledge on this important subject." Brent Top, a professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU and author of many important books, highlights the wealth of information about the spirit world provided by latter- day prophets and apostles — its location, the nature of departed spirits, conditions there, and the work performed. Removing much of the mystery and fear associated with dying, his message demonstrates that knowing what life will be like there and then inspires us to live better lives here and now.