Author: Charleston Daily

“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?” – Henry David Thoreau

Imagine that, today would have marked the 82nd birthday of John Lennon and yesterday marked the 51st anniversary of the release of “Imagine”

Thank goodness the dreamers still live on…

About Imagine

This Day in History:  October 8, 1971

On this day in 1971, October 8, one of the greatest songs ever written was released.  On October 8, 1971, one day before his 31st birthday, John Lennon released “Imagine”, a song that today, still provides a global message of peace, love, and unity.  Its words, so simple and clear, resonate with power and emotion.

Let us take a few moments to listen to his words and think about how we make the world a better place

John Lennon, the Dreamer

John Lennon was a man who led a revolt, a revolt for peace around the world. Tolerance and acceptance are sometimes the most simple yet most difficult things to achieve. John believed in both. He united children, adults, enemies, and families and taught us to love one another through selfless actions and generosity.

John didn’t believe in religious differences, race or ethnic differences, or social barriers. He believed in the goals of respect, equality, and peace.

Deep down inside, once you shed the fame and celebrity status, was a simple man who created a vision with his music that so many of us try to adhere to each and every day.

He only asked one thing of all of us and that is to look inside ourselves for the truth.

John once said “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” Think about that statement. We all share a common goal in life and that is happiness. Some find happiness in material wealth while others find it in the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. He broke the barriers of difference and promoted individual thought coated with the bond of true love.

John transcended reality and fantasy and made it one. He wanted us to believe in everything and the magic it has to offer.

Here are just a few of the most inspirational words he was able to share during his living years:

“Everything is clearer when you’re in love.”

“I believe in everything until it’s disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, 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?”

“If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that’s his problem. Love and peace are eternal.”

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”

“It doesn’t matter how long my hair is or what color my skin is or whether I’m a woman or a man.”

“Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower, you’ve got to let it grow.”

“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.”

“The more I see the less I know for sure.”

“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.”

From all the musicians, poets, mothers, fathers, children and dreamers, Thank you John for inspiring all of us with the poetry of love.