“Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we’re being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I’m liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That’s what’s insane about it.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we’re being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I’m liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That’s what’s insane about it.”
Explanation
John Lennon delivers a searing indictment of political and institutional power, accusing those in charge of society of being not just misguided, but genuinely unhinged. His use of the word “insane” underscores a belief that the goals pursued by world leaders—war, control, materialism, and domination—are so irrational and destructive that they defy logic. He paints a picture of a world where those at the helm act against human well-being, and where truth-tellers are at risk of being labeled mad for simply pointing it out.
The irony at the heart of the quote—that speaking out against madness is itself considered madness—reveals Lennon’s sense of helplessness and alienation in a world that punishes dissent. It echoes themes from dystopian literature and political philosophy, where systems protect their own dysfunction by marginalizing those who expose it. Lennon’s frustration reflects both his activist convictions and his understanding of the dangers of speaking truth to power.
In the modern era, where global crises, misinformation, and political manipulation often provoke disbelief and cynicism, Lennon’s words retain sharp relevance. His quote challenges listeners to question the sanity of the status quo, and to recognize that conscience and clarity are sometimes treated as threats by systems built on control. It remains a powerful reminder that critical thinking and moral courage can seem radical in an upside-down world.
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