“Lots of people who complained about us receiving the MBE received theirs for heroism in the war – for killing people. We received ours for entertaining other people. I’d say we deserve ours more.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“Lots of people who complained about us receiving the MBE received theirs for heroism in the war – for killing people. We received ours for entertaining other people. I’d say we deserve ours more.”
Explanation
John Lennon offers a sharp critique of societal values and the criteria for official honors, particularly the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award. He contrasts military recognition for taking lives with the Beatles’ award for bringing joy through music, challenging the assumption that wartime heroism is inherently more honorable than artistic achievement. His words reveal a deep skepticism toward traditional definitions of service and merit, especially when they involve violence.
This quote came after the Beatles were awarded MBEs in 1965, prompting backlash from some recipients and veterans who saw the honor as devalued by its association with pop musicians. Lennon’s response confronts the moral contradiction of glorifying war while dismissing the power of art to uplift and unite. By stating “we deserve ours more,” he provocatively suggests that spreading peace and happiness may be a higher contribution than participating in conflict, even when done under national duty.
In the modern context, Lennon’s remark raises ongoing questions about how societies honor contributions, whether in arts, activism, science, or warfare. It invites us to reflect on what we reward and why, challenging norms that often prioritize destruction over creation. His statement remains relevant in debates about the cultural value of nonviolent influence versus state-sanctioned violence, and the evolving role of artists as agents of change.
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