CHANGING THE WORLD

---

We’ve had a hard lesson over the past year that the march of progress is not inevitable... Hopelessness is running high right now, and cynicism is cresting. But these are things the world can’t afford. January 4, 2018 ー "Why It's Time For Men to Step Up For Women Too" by Bono (Time)

The world is more malleable than you think. We can bend it into a better shape. Ask big questions, demand big answers. 2005 ー Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas

You know I used to think the future was solid or fixed, something you inherited like an old building that you move into when the previous generation moves out or gets chased out. But it's not. The future is not fixed, it's fluid… the world is more malleable than you think and it's waiting for you to hammer it into shape. May 17, 2004 ー PENN Commencement Address (Philadelphia, USA)

The core of ‘Innocence’ to me is a lyric from our second album, which says, ‘I can’t change the world, but I can change the world in me.’ The core of ‘Experience’ is... ‘I can change the world, but I can’t change the world in me.’ And so you realize that the biggest obstacle in the way is yourself. There are things to rail against, and there are things that deserve your rage, and you must plot and conspire to overthrow them. But the most wily and fearsome of your enemies is going to turn out to be yourself. September 6, 2017 ー "U2 Offers 'Songs of Experience' to a World That's on Fire" by Jon Pareles (The New York Times)

​I'm wary of faith outside of actions. I'm wary of religiosity that ignores the wider world. November 3, 2005 ー Interview with Jann Wenner (Rolling Stone)

We can't fix every problem… but the ones we can we must. May 17, 2004 ー PENN Commencement Address (Philadelphia, USA)

You can’t fix every problem. But the ones you can, you must. To the degree we are responsible, we must fix. 2005 ー Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas
 
I can't live with acquiescence. I just can't. To me, it's like rolling over. October 26, 2000 ー "The Final Frontier" by Olaf Tyaransen (Hot Press)

I don’t believe in wishful thinking, you know dreams, and that sort of thing. Imagine, that John Lennon song ー it’s my least favourite of his songs, and he’s the man for me. But I don’t believe imagining is enough. First you have to imagine, but then you have to build it, with concrete and scaffolding, and the unromantic aspect to me is now more interesting than it was say when I younger and I thought just having the dream was enough. November 4, 2002 ー Interview with Jo Wiley (MSN Webcast)

When you sing, you make people [open] to change in their lives. You make yourself [open] to change in your life. But in the end, you've got to become the change you want to see in the word. February 23, 2002 ー "Bono's Mission" by Josh Tyrangiel (Time Magazine)

You can fall asleep in the comfort of your freedom. We can’t right all the wrongs, but we can find people who can help do it. March 1987 ー Bono: In His Own Words ー Dave Thompson (Published 1998)​
 
These things are rooted in my study of the Scriptures. I guess, like most people, the world just beats them down into not expecting that things can change or be any better… If you put your shoulder to the door, it might open. Especially if you’re representing a greater authority than yourself. Call it love, call it justice, call it whatever. 2005 ー Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas

God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change ー He’s looking for tighter contract between us and our neighbor. 2002 ー The aWAKE Project: Uniting against African AIDS Crisis ー Various Contributors

See Themes
Heaven On Earth?

See Quotes
Being Reborn