Portrait of Yoko Ono

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
Inspirational Unverifiable

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'
Biblical Unverifiable

Art is a way of survival.

2013 — Interview with The Guardian
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

War is over if you want it.

1969 — Campaign slogan with John Lennon
War & Conflict Unverifiable

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
Wisdom Unverifiable

My voice is an instrument. It's not a beautiful voice, but it has something to say.

2007 — Interview with Pitchfork
Wisdom Unverifiable

Cut a hole in a bag. Put your hand in. Feel.

1964 — Instructional piece from Grapefruit
Wisdom Unverifiable

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
Wisdom Unverifiable

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'
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I'm not interested in being famous. I'm interested in making art that changes people's lives.

2013 — Interview with The Independent
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

Don't ever give up on your dreams. They are what make you unique.

2012 — Tweet
Inspirational Unverifiable

Fly. You can fly. You can fly. You can fly.

1971 — Lyrics from 'Fly'
Wisdom Unverifiable

My art is about liberation. It's about freeing people from their preconceived notions.

2015 — Interview with Artforum
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

Give peace a chance.

1969 — Lyrics from 'Give Peace a Chance'
Wisdom Unverifiable

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'
Inspirational Unverifiable

The future is now.

Undated, generally associated with her philosophy — Common phrase used by her
Wisdom Unverifiable

Listen to the sound of the earth turning.

1964 — Instructional piece from Grapefruit
Nature & World Unverifiable

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
Inspirational Unverifiable

Cut a hole in the sky. Look through it.

1964 — Instructional piece from Grapefruit
Nature & World Unverifiable

You are a work of art. You are a masterpiece.

2013 — Tweet
Wisdom Unverifiable
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