Liverpool, England

Yesterday marked 70 years since the birth of John Lennon (1940-1980), a talented activist/misfit and empathetic non-conformist with a burning passion for peace and world unity. Nearly thirty years have passed since John was murdered on a New York street—yet his influence and “presence” continue to loom large…

Here are a few quotes by the former Beatle…

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Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.

If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.

All we are saying is give peace a chance.

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.

Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.

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?

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.

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.

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.