John Lennon’s quote, “The more real you get, the unreal the world gets,” highlights a profound observation about authenticity and the disconnection one feels in a world that prioritizes superficial values.
The More Real You Get
- To “get real” means to seek truth, authenticity, and alignment with higher values like purpose, meaning, and connection to God.
- A person who lives authentically prioritizes what is eternal and meaningful—faith, family, character, and virtue—over temporary or shallow gratifications.
- This journey toward being “real” often requires self-awareness, discipline, and a rejection of societal norms that encourage ego-driven or materialistic pursuits.
The Unreal World
Consumerism
- Modern society is deeply entrenched in consumerism, promoting the idea that happiness and identity come from possessions.
- This creates an “unreal” world where people chase material wealth and external validation, leaving little room for spiritual fulfillment or genuine relationships.
Relativism
- Relativism denies absolute truths, leading to a culture where morality and purpose are seen as subjective.
- This lack of anchor in truth and meaning makes the world feel hollow and disconnected from reality when viewed through the lens of authenticity.
Ego and Image
- Social media and modern culture often emphasize appearance, status, and self-promotion over substance, reinforcing a “fake” world.
- A person striving for authenticity may find this focus on ego and superficiality disorienting and alienating.
Pleasure and Instant Gratification
- The pursuit of constant pleasure through entertainment, addictions, or distractions further divorces individuals from deeper purpose.
- In this context, the “unreal” world feels transient and unsatisfying, devoid of the grounding that comes from faith or lasting values.
The Disconnect Between the Real and Unreal
- As the world moves away from spiritual and eternal truths, those who pursue authenticity and a God-centered life may feel increasingly out of place.
- This disconnect can manifest as a sense of alienation, as the “realness” of living with purpose contrasts starkly with the “unreality” of a society focused on shallow, temporary ideals.
Relevance to Modern Life
Seeking Meaning in a Superficial World
- People often feel a void when they realize that material success or pleasures fail to provide lasting fulfillment.
- Re-centering on God, community, and purpose offers a path to reclaim what the “unreal” world has lost.
Standing Against the Current
- Living authentically requires courage, as it often means rejecting societal norms and risking judgment or isolation.
- However, the pursuit of truth and connection to eternal values brings inner peace and strength.
The Need for Grounding
- A society without a spiritual or moral foundation struggles with meaninglessness, as evidenced by rising mental health issues, loneliness, and division.
- Returning to foundational truths—faith, humility, and purpose—can help rebuild a sense of “realness” in individual lives and communities.
John Lennon’s quote captures the tension between a person seeking authenticity and a world increasingly detached from deeper truths. As society drifts away from God and purpose toward consumerism, relativism, and fleeting pleasures, those who choose to live authentically may feel out of sync with the world around them. Yet, this journey toward the “real” ultimately offers lasting peace and fulfillment, standing as a counterpoint to the unreal, hollow pursuits of modern life.
