“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.”
- October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980
- British
- Musician, Songwriter, Peace Activist, Founding Member of The Beatles
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Quote
“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.”
Explanation
John Lennon uses a tender and grounded metaphor to convey a profound truth about love: it is not a static possession but a living, growing responsibility. By comparing love to a “precious plant,” he emphasizes that love requires consistent care, attention, and effort. Just as a plant withers without water or light, love cannot thrive on initial feelings alone—it must be actively sustained through kindness, presence, and communication.
This view reflects Lennon’s evolving understanding of relationships, especially in his later years with Yoko Ono, where he often emphasized emotional honesty, shared effort, and daily renewal. His quote pushes back against romantic fantasies that love simply “works” on its own, reminding us that neglect—whether through complacency or distraction—can quietly erode even the deepest bonds.
In modern relationships, where time, stress, and digital distractions often pull people away from connection, Lennon’s words serve as a gentle warning and a hopeful guide. Love is not something to be stored away or taken for granted—it is a gift that flourishes when it is nurtured. His message continues to resonate as a call to be present, be caring, and choose love daily, not just once.
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