“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.”
Explanation
John Lennon critiques consumerism and misplaced priorities, pointing out how society often channels its desires into material goods rather than meaningful change. By contrasting the demand for peace with the desire for “another television set,” he emphasizes how modern comforts can distract people from deeper social responsibilities. His message is that peace is not just an abstract ideal—it must be actively wanted, pursued, and prioritized.
The quote also carries a strong sense of individual accountability. Lennon isn’t blaming governments or institutions alone; he’s urging ordinary people to shift their values, recognizing that true change begins at the grassroots level. Peace, in his view, is not something that is bestowed from above, but something that must be collectively and consciously chosen over convenience, entertainment, or consumer gratification.
In a world still marked by conflict and inequality, and shaped by the pull of advertising and mass consumption, Lennon’s words remain strikingly relevant. They challenge each person to ask what they truly value—and what they are willing to sacrifice or redirect in order to help bring about peace. His call is not just political, but deeply ethical: rethink what you want, and peace may follow.
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