How do YOU think we can achieve the world envisioned in John Lennon's Imagine?

Question

Do you think it would work?

And is such idealism worth anything if no method is offered?

Don't assume anything about my opinion of the song.

disgruntled_penguin: Your response is insulting on two levels, though I'm not even necessarily of the same mind as Lennon:

1.) One's career choice has nothing to do with his intellect or understanding. Indeed, being in the limelight offers a chance for idealism to be spread.
2.) I assumed nothing about you. When one asks a question as I did, it is assumed that I was only addressing those who agree. I can't take up all the space setting parameters for idiots.

Jessie O: Seems to me like it's worthy of 10 points.

Answer 1

I'm not sure how I would.....
I hate to sound so cynical (or just realistic?) but I fear it's not attainable. I fear we've made it that way. but I want to answer this question, and I'll try to make it clear and well thought out- because my soul weeps when it hears that song. For how many people call it idealism, when in truth- it's something we should be able to have? it's the world we want to imagine (no pun intended) our children coming into.
Sadly though my answer will almost surely have to be hypothetical; but here it is anyway....[[a few quick things to mention so I don't get jumped on from all sides for just stating a view; I'm wiccan. I try not to judge and I try not to decide someone else's behavior is irrational/unreasonable- but for the sake of this answer we'll just have to be a bit presumptuous.]]
For one thing there would first have to be an event or....miracle (so to speak) that gave every human being the desire to respect and love one another. Not through a religious force or a deity, or the shared belief in one- but through the belief that, by trying to live and trying to be a good person- said person deserves our love and respect. that's not to say we can't dislike, but that we can leave those we dislike alone, and not insult them because we disagree. we would have to rid the world of all animosity. of the concept that violence (both verbal and phsyical) should ever be a reasonable solution. In other words we would first need some common ground. we would have to put aside religious beliefs (or, in our thoughts use them to our advantage...i.e. a Wiccan might use their belief that all things our connected and sacred to help them remember to respect others with varying beliefs. While an athiest may use his belief that there is no higher power- therefore nothing is forcing them to like people with varying beliefs; it must come from themselves. And contrastly a Christian may use his belief in god and god's love for all things to help him believe strongly that, there is every reason to love everyone-regardless of whether they reach that conclusion in the same way.) and realize that we can all reach the same peaceful conclusion and concern for one another- and respect that the important part is THAT we reached said conclusion, not *how* we reached it.

that is only one part of what would need to happen and I suppose in the scheme of things it could be seen as a relatively small one. but it's worth mentioning none the less.

After this we can begin to truly respect others desicions- even if we do not agree with them....and this will lead to less tension, arguements and controversy in general. We can rid of gossiping-media and have it there merely for events that are non-discriminatory or, perhaps not even have it at all.

While I'm not an anarchist in the typical sense of the word- I feel a lot of our systems and ways of doing things (as a society) are restraining us and therefore hindering any idealistic [or even genuine] developement....for instance, capitalism encourages greed and the idea that is taught to our kids so young it seems that "nothing's free" and no one has time to spare for someone else who needs them. So I think essentially if we were to truly reach the wonderful view of imagine...we would need to re-evalute the way we are living, and why, and if we want this for our children and grandchildren and so on.

also most would say it is hard to look at a child and not care for them, if they are hurt- it's hard not to want to consoul them and help them. Now, most pass this off as their innocence- but why can't we adopt that attitude with people of all ages/races/etc.? Why can't we look at another person and want the best for them simply because they're another being? Simply because we do not and should not benefit from wishing them the worst?

well....there's my long, wishy-washy answer and in truth perhaps it doesn't deserve 10 pts, it's merely a view I wanted to begin to get across- it would take much more thought and organization for my -entire- view but there is the rough begin of it.
thanks for asking a question that made me go beyond my thoughts momentary confines :) it's very appreciated!
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*edit= thank you! ^^ I'm very glad you think so =).

Answer 2

I can't see it happening, although it is a pleasant, if not very imaginative fantasy. It won't work because mankind needs a bit more than syrupy pablum to wake up to everyday! However, I just have to add that Lennon had a nice romantic voice and regardless of content, the song did have a really nice tune for slow-dancing with your sweetie !!!

As to your question regarding idealism, sure, it's worth plenty, with or without a diagram for achieving it. Having a great vision or idea doesn't mean you will also be the person to figure out how to make it happen. Throw it out there, like Lennon did, and let the world chew on it a bit and someone just might figure how to make it happen! Or not. But, it's worth a shot!

Answer 3

I think we CAN achieve it if everyone started by living their lives as John Lennon wrote and sang about, and then spread it around ... kind of like the "pay it forward" thought. So, if everyone did that, then we could achieve it. But - WILL everyone do that? No, I don't think so, because I think that some people don't really WANT to live that way. Yes, such idealism is worth something even without an offered method. Part of imagining a world like Lennon wrote about is the heart and soul process behind the imagination ... he left the method up to us to dream of and achieve.

Answer 4

In order to have what he spoke of in Imagine, people would have to do just that... imagine. Unfortunately, many people don't bother thinking for themselves. While there are still people around who do not question and only accept traditions, there will always be problems.
It seems that when people start to question their beliefs and actions, they become more accepting of others. Many religious people, Christians, Muslims, etc., are much more judgmental and materialistic than people who do not belong to such religions.

Until more people start questioning their actions, and stop following an "us vs. them" mentality... the world will not be as one.

Answer 5

Greetings Friend,

Yes it is possible but it starts with us. If we want our world to change, we must change. We can no longer think on the same level that got us into this mess. We must evolve. We must stop looking outside ourselves for solutions. The answers do lie within. I know that you have a kind heart. You may pretend that you do not, but we know better. We must let that kindness lead us. We must be vigilant.

There are many methods, but I suggest A Course In Miracles.

sending love,

Answer 6

That will never happen here on earth. God says this world is our testing ground to see who will choose Him and who will not. And after things go from bad to worse it will be destroyed. Then all who received God's Son Jesus will live in the Utopia John Lennon described in heaven with God. My only question is ............ will John Lennon be there?

Answer 7

..that`s what dreams are for, a hard fact realization of the harshness of life, it sounds easy for song artist like John to talk of Peace-but remember, they could not even had peace in just of their four man band, the Beatles, they broke out seperately for various personal reasons. It is very hard, if it`s not impossible to have a lasting Peace.
...peace be with you.

Answer 8

You mistakenly assume I could care enough to know what a pop musician envisioned for the world.

Answer 9

Do not like john ,wish the world were perfect but that will require Jesus.There is a Heaven,I assume john has his "rewards" here.

Answer 10

It was only a song and John Lennon was only a musician.