What Lehi sees is a dynamic scene that instills in him two diametrically opposite emotions—one of joy on behalf of his righteous sons Sam and Nephi, and one of fear on behalf of Laman and Lemuel, whose attitudes and behavior are scarcely in keeping with divine mandate (see 1 Nephi 8:3–4). Lehi unfolds for his family the details of the vision that has become one of the most compelling statements of the gospel plan and of the consequences of mortal choice in all of holy writ. As we shall see, the tree of life vision encompasses a multiplicity of symbols that invite informed interpretation and greater understanding, based on the keys given in the scriptures themselves. This greater understanding leads to daily applications that promote increased goodness and righteousness in life.