Yoko Ono: 'War is over if you want it.'

War is over if you want it.

Yoko Ono's quote, 'War is over if you want it,' holds profound significance and offers a straightforward message of hopeful transformation. On the surface, it urges individuals to take responsibility and actively work towards peace instead of waiting for external forces to bring an end to conflict. This empowering notion emphasizes that the power to end war lies within each person's desire and willingness to make a difference. However, alongside this straightforward interpretation, let us explore the unexpected philosophical concept of 'non-duality' to delve deeper into the profound implications of Ono's quote.Non-duality is a philosophical concept that challenges the traditional notion of duality, which divides the world into pairs of opposing forces, such as good and evil, light and dark, or war and peace. It suggests that these opposites are not separate entities but rather two sides of the same coin, interconnected and dependent on each other. Applying this concept to Ono's quote, we can expand our understanding and explore the idea that war and peace are not mutually exclusive, but rather intertwined aspects of human existence.In this expanded perspective, 'War is over if you want it' takes on a more nuanced meaning. It implies that the end of war cannot be achieved solely by eradicating conflict but by transforming our relationship with it. We must understand that peace is not simply the absence of war but something more profound – a state of inner harmony and unity with the world. When we actively choose peace and strive for it, we align ourselves with a higher consciousness where war ceases to exist.This philosophical perspective challenges us to reflect on the nature of conflict and our role in perpetuating or transcending it. It requires a shift in our perception of war as an external problem that needs to be solved by others, towards an internal exploration of our own beliefs, actions, and desires that contribute to the perpetuation of violence.By understanding that war and peace are not separate entities but interconnected, we can start cultivating peace within ourselves and our communities. This pursuit involves fostering empathy, promoting dialogue, and seeking understanding instead of resorting to violence or passive hope.Through non-duality, we realize that the battle against war is not fought on the battlefield alone but is an ongoing struggle within ourselves. It necessitates confronting the dualities within us – our own internal conflicts and contradictions. Only by addressing these aspects can we actively contribute towards creating a world where war does not have a place.Yoko Ono's quote invites us to explore a transformative way of thinking, one that acknowledges our individual agency in shaping a peaceful world. It urges us to look beyond the superficiality of conflicts and embrace the paradoxical nature of our existence. By embracing non-duality, we can challenge the conventional understanding of war and peace, paving the way for a new paradigm that moves beyond the binary perspective and towards a more holistic and compassionate approach.In conclusion, Yoko Ono's quote, 'War is over if you want it,' encapsulates a powerful call to action. It reminds us that peace begins within ourselves and can be achieved through active intention and inner transformation. By embracing the philosophical concept of non-duality, we gain a deeper understanding of the intertwined nature of war and peace. This expanded perspective invites us to confront our own internal conflicts and engage in a broader dialogue to create a harmonious world. Let us remember that the journey towards lasting peace is not an external battle but a transformative journey of self-discovery and collective action.