Would John Lennon’s 'Imagine' Work as a World Philosophy?

Some argue that John Lennon’s iconic song Imagine would not function as an effective world philosophy. This is because it primarily describes the past, not the future of humankind. In this detailed exploration, we will examine why Imagine resonates deeply with the lifestyle and beliefs of hunter-gatherers, making it more of a nostalgic reflection on the past rather than a forward-looking vision for the future.

The Resonance with Hunter-Gatherers

The song Imagine challenges traditional concepts such as nations, possessions, and greed, reflecting themes that are not only sentimental but are also deeply rooted in the principles of hunter-gatherer societies.

Concepts of Hunter-Gatherers

Protestant ideals suggest that hunter-gatherers have no concept of heaven and hell. In a deeper sense, there is no belief in reward or punishment in their lives. As anthropologist M. Bagshawe noted, the Hadza of eastern Africa had no known religion, emphasizing their spiritual simplicity.

Ancient beliefs and practices of hunter-gatherers, like the Hadza, highlight that they have no religious structures such as churches, leaders, or idols. There are no organized religious meetings or beliefs in an afterlife. Their belief systems are markedly different from major religions, reflecting a more egalitarian and communal way of life.

The Lived Reality

The Hadza, a well-studied group, exemplify a cosmopolitan lifestyle. They recognize no territorial boundaries beyond their general region "Hadzaland." Anyone can freely enter this area and receive support without any hindrance, reflecting a society that transcends the rigid territorial divisions common in many modern nations.

The song's lines, "Imagine there's no countries," also ring true for the Hadza, who, as pointed out by anthropologist M. Bagshawe, have absolutely no concept of territoriality. Their social interactions are based on a common understanding of their region and not on national or tribal identities.

Egalitarian Beliefs and Practices

The Hadza, like many hunter-gatherers, practice a system of equitable sharing. They have elaborate rules to ensure that food is distributed equally, and hoarding or unequal shares are forbidden. There are sanctions against individuals who try to accumulate possessions. This egalitarian society contrasts sharply with the capitalist ethos that values greed and the accumulation of wealth.

The song "Imagine no possessions" echoes the Hadza’s values, suggesting a world without greed and a society based on communal sharing. This belief is deeply ingrained in modern hunter-gatherer cultures, providing a stark contrast to the relentless pursuit of material wealth in capitalist societies.

Life and Leisure

Hunter-gatherers, including the Hadza, are known for their abundance of leisure time. Unlike the modern industrialized world, they did not have to work around the clock for food. Instead, they were well-fed and had ample leisure time, allowing them to engage in a rich tapestry of social, cultural, and spiritual activities.

The line "Imagine no need for greed or hunger" in Imagine reflects the Hadza’s balanced approach to life, where scarcity and hunger were not part of their daily reality. This is a far cry from the constant struggle for food that many modern people experience in the face of global scarcity and unequal distribution of resources.

No Need for Territoriality or Possessions

Hunter-gatherers, like the Hadza, do not see possessions as something to be fiercely guarded. They have simple, communal systems of resource sharing, which contrasts starkly with the capitalist notion that more is always better. This reflects the broader ideals of communal sharing and the elimination of territorial conflicts in future societies.

The commentator Marlowe argues that while Imagine depicts an absence of these concepts, large groups of hunter-gatherers do not live in larger territories for defense. This suggests that territoriality and possessions increase intergroup violence, a reality that contemporary hunter-gatherers have managed to largely avoid, making their society more peaceful.

Conclusion

While Imagine may not serve as a blueprint for the future, its resonance with hunter-gatherers suggests that it captures the essence of a past simpler way of life. For John Lennon, who was an evolutionary hunter-gatherer type, this connection was natural and intuitive, reflecting his deeply rooted instincts and survival instincts. Yet, for the future, Imagine might not be enough as it is more a reflection of the past than a vision for the future.

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