John Lennon: Guilty & Wanted to Be Rich
on Tuesday, October 9, 2018John Lennon Money Quote saying he was always interested in wealth, even though he propounded socialism in his lyrics. But he felt it was rooted in money guilt. John Lennon said:
“I worked for money and I wanted to be rich. So what the hell — if that’s a paradox, then I’m a socialist. But I am not anything. What I used to be is guilty about money. That’s why I lost it, either by giving it away or by allowing myself to be screwed by so-called managers” — John Lennon
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In this quote, John Lennon seems to be reflecting on his past attitudes and experiences with money. Some key points:
- He acknowledges that earlier in his career, he “worked for money” and “wanted to be rich” like many ambitious artists and entrepreneurs.
- Lennon notes this could paradoxically make him a “socialist” by some definitions, though he says he doesn’t fully identify with any political label.
- However, Lennon states he feels “guilty about money” – implying he regretted prioritizing it too much or in unhealthy ways like mismanaging finances.
- He suggests this guilt either led to losing significant funds by “giving it away” charitably or being “screwed” out of money by untrustworthy “managers.”
Overall, Lennon appears to be conveying some level of regret over past money-driven mindsets and behaviors, though also an acceptance of lessons learned through both philanthropic and financially costly experiences. The quote reflects on Lennon’s evolving views on wealth and what truly mattered most to him.
Birthday October 9, 1940 – Death: 1980 (assassinated) in New York