“The basic thing nobody asks is why do people take drugs of any sort? Why do we have these accessories to normal living to live? I mean, is there something wrong with society that’s making us so pressurized, that we cannot live without guarding ourselves against it?”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“The basic thing nobody asks is why do people take drugs of any sort? Why do we have these accessories to normal living to live? I mean, is there something wrong with society that’s making us so pressurized, that we cannot live without guarding ourselves against it?”
Explanation
John Lennon poses a critical and compassionate question about the root causes of drug use, shifting the focus from moral judgment to social understanding. Rather than condemning individuals, he asks why so many feel the need for “accessories to normal living” just to cope. His words challenge us to look beyond the surface of addiction and explore deeper societal dysfunctions, such as emotional alienation, anxiety, conformity, or economic pressure.
This quote reflects Lennon’s broader belief that modern life often imposes unnatural burdens, and that many turn to substances not out of weakness, but as a response to overwhelming stress, emptiness, or disillusionment. His phrase “guarding ourselves against it” implies that drug use is not about indulgence alone—it’s about protection from a society that may feel hostile or suffocating. He suggests that the real problem lies not in the individual, but in a culture that makes coping mechanisms necessary.
Today, in an age of rising mental health awareness, substance abuse crises, and questions about well-being in fast-paced capitalist societies, Lennon’s insight feels especially relevant. His quote urges us to approach issues like addiction with curiosity, empathy, and systemic critique, asking not just what people are doing—but what they’re running from, and why. It remains a powerful invitation to confront the psychological cost of modern life.
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