Yoko Ono

Artist, peace activist

Contemporary influential 77 sayings

Sayings by Yoko Ono

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.

1964 — Book: Grapefruit
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Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try, no hell below us, above us only sky, imagine all the people living for today...

1971 — Lyrics from 'Imagine'
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Art is a way of survival.

2013 — Interview with The Guardian
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War is over if you want it.

1969 — Campaign slogan with John Lennon
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Smile in the summer, smile in the winter. Smile when you're happy, smile when you're sad. Smile when you're angry, smile when you're glad. Smile all the time.

Undated, consistent with her Fluxus work — Instructional piece from her art
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My voice is an instrument. It's not a beautiful voice, but it has something to say.

2007 — Interview with Pitchfork
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Cut a hole in a bag. Put your hand in. Feel.

1964 — Instructional piece from Grapefruit
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The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.

Approx. 1970s-1980s — Quote widely attributed, likely from an interview or speech
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Imagine a world without countries. Imagine a world without religion. Imagine a world without possession. Imagine all the people living life in peace.

1971 — Lyrics from 'Imagine'
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I'm not interested in being famous. I'm interested in making art that changes people's lives.

2013 — Interview with The Independent
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Don't ever give up on your dreams. They are what make you unique.

2012 — Tweet
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Fly. You can fly. You can fly. You can fly.

1971 — Lyrics from 'Fly'
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My art is about liberation. It's about freeing people from their preconceived notions.

2015 — Interview with Artforum
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Give peace a chance.

1969 — Lyrics from 'Give Peace a Chance'
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Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.

1971 — Lyrics from 'Imagine'
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The future is now.

Undated, generally associated with her philosophy — Common phrase used by her
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Listen to the sound of the earth turning.

1964 — Instructional piece from Grapefruit
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I believe in the power of women. I believe in the power of love. I believe in the power of peace.

2014 — Interview with Vogue
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Cut a hole in the sky. Look through it.

1964 — Instructional piece from Grapefruit
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You are a work of art. You are a masterpiece.

2013 — Tweet
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