Today marks the thirty-first anniversary of John Lennon’s death. A musical icon of the century who gifted the world with his beautiful music and words of wisdom. Below is Lennon’s ballad of peace, “Imagine”, and some memorable quotes from this remarkable man…
”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.”
“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.”
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”
“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.”
“You either get tired fighting for peace, or you die.”