The following is attributed to John Lennon:
There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others. Hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.
Whether or not these words truly come from Lennon, their wisdom resonates. Fear constrains us. Love empowers and liberates. When we live from love, we open ourselves to meaningful connections and boundless opportunities.
We can choose love, and become one of the fearless people who embrace life.
Carl B. Barney
March 25, 2025
I don’t agree with your comment “If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others.
I do not believe that this is so. There are many examples. A virtuous person can love others, even though they might not love themselves. Part of the definition of virtue, which I am writing about.
Laya
Coming from a country with a Soviet past, where fear shaped generations, Lennon’s words resonate deeply. Everyone was afraid of everyone else, and there was no room for real love. There’s a popular Georgian saying, “Fear creates love,” but to me, such love is fake and disastrous—a survival instinct, not a genuine connection. I often wonder how many people are trapped in such altruistic relationships, driven by fear and self-sacrifice rather than self-interest and true love.
Hi Irakli,
I’m so impressed with your comment on my post “Love and Fear”. You make an excellent connection to a society where “there was no room for real love” and to the contrary quote “fear creates love”. That is Orwellian.
It’s so nice to get such a thoughtful comment. Thank you!