In addition to being a renowned musician, John Lennon was a profound thinker. Known for his unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll voice and masterful songwriting, he also offered insightful opinions on creativity, love, life, and peace.
Lennon’s distinctive outlook on the world is reflected in some of his most daring and perceptive utterances over the years. His remarks are still relevant today, whether in interviews or informal discussions.
Here are 20 of the best quotes from John Lennon:
On Society and Peace
1. “Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we’re being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I’m liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That’s what’s insane about it.”
In a 1968 interview, Lennon revealed this while lamenting the status of politics and world leaders.
2. “If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.”
Lennon made a straightforward yet impactful statement highlighting how misaligned objectives undermine international peace.
3. “You either get tired fighting for peace, or you die.”
In interviews like this one, where he discussed his continuous fight for a better society, his unwavering commitment to peace action was evident.
4. “When you’re drowning, you don’t say, ‘I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,’ you just scream.”
Lennon explained the importance of speaking out on significant topics using this metaphor.
5. “I’m not claiming divinity. I’ve never claimed purity of soul. I’ve never claimed to have the answers to life. I only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can… But I still believe in peace, love, and understanding.”
This moving quote was taken from an interview with John Lennon in 1970, in which he discussed his work as an artist and activist.
On Love and Life
6. “We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.”
In a 1969 interview, Lennon emphasized the work needed to maintain healthy relationships by comparing love to a plant.
7. “As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot.”
A lighthearted yet heartfelt tribute to the value of strong women, frequently seen as a reference to Yoko Ono.
8. “Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.”
Lennon had a talent for seeing beyond the obvious and inspiring others to dream bigger.
9. “Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.”
It serves as a reminder that contentment and leisure are equally important to productivity.
10. “I believe time wounds all heels.”
By using creative wordplay, Lennon transforms the well-known adage “time heals all wounds” into something far more blunt.
11. “You don’t need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are!”
Lennon frequently conveyed this message of self-acceptance in interviews.
12. “Part of me suspects that I’m a loser, and the other part of me thinks I’m God Almighty.”
This is a frank and funny commentary on Lennon’s own insecurity and self-doubt.
On Music, Art, and Creativity
13. “I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.”
In a 1969 interview, Lennon discussed this spiritual philosophy and his thoughts on religion and unity.
14. “If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry’.”
An homage to one of the forerunners of rock, recognizing Berry’s impact on the genre.
15. “Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you’ll just rattle your jewelry.”
Playfully addressing the affluent audience members, this is a sly comment from The Beatles’ 1963 Royal Variety Performance.
16. “Surrealism had a great effect on me because then I realized that the imagery in my mind wasn’t insanity. Surrealism to me is reality.”
Lennon has discussed how his lyrics and outlook on life were impacted by surrealist art.
17. “My role in society, or any artist’s or poet’s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.”
This reflects Lennon’s modest understanding of his role as a musician and supports his conviction that music should unite people.
18. “I’m not going to change the way I look or the way I feel to conform to anything. I’ve always been a freak. So I’ve been a freak all my life and I have to live with that, you know. I’m one of those people.”
Lennon celebrated his uniqueness and inspired others to follow suit.
19. “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue with that; I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first—rock and roll or Christianity.”
The world was outraged by these controversial comments from a 1966 interview, but Lennon later emphasized that he was not completely discarding religion but rather commenting on the change in teenage culture.
20. “I believe in everything until it’s disproved. So I believe in fairies, myths, and dragons. It all exists, even if it’s in your mind. Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now?”
A quintessential illustration of Lennon’s boundless creativity and compassion.