You might not believe it, but Jose Mujica,
president of Uruguay since 2010, is known to
be the world’s poorest president.
Jose donates more then of 90% of his
$12,000 per month salary to benefit the poor
and to help small entrepreneurs. If we need
more of anything in this world, it would
be more people like this!
This man doesn’t put value on
his appearance or clothes. He is criticized for
his posture and clothes, but Jose puts more
value on other things in life instead.
Before his presidency, he was a guerilla fighter
for Tupamaros, which acted like “Robin hood.”
They literally robbed evil banks, gun clubs,
and other businesses to give to the poor. He
truly believed that his value was not in
gaining more money, it was in the wellbeing of
his country and people. He was imprisoned 2
times for a total of 14 years and shot 6 times
after an escape attempt, But he still continues
to fight for the people even in his high office
now as president of Uruguay.
Mujica could live in this beautiful Presidential
house, but has chosen a more humble place
to live. He is a honest example of a president
that gives up his own comfort for the
wellbeing of others.
…And this is where he lives, on a farm with
his wife and dog. He is also working to
change the fancy presidential house into a
museum that pays honor to past presidents.
There’s no reason for money, fame, and a
nice place to sleep when you can be humble
and live on a farm. This president lives the
life!
His part time farming job, keeps him aware of
the struggles and life that most other people
of his country go though. He also grows and
then sells flowers from his farm. You can see
him frequently driving his old 1987
Volkswagon Beetle. He doesn’t need a fancy
Bentley, because he doesn’t care about having
a extravagant appearance. His people are
what matters and what matters are his
people.
Jose’s protection consists of two guards and
his 3 legged dog named Manuela.
Even though he is known as the poorest
president, he strongly disagrees. He says, “I’m
not the poorest president. The poorest is the
one who needs a lot to live… My lifestyle is a
consequence of my wounds. I’m the son of
my history. There have been years when I
would have been happy just to have a
mattress.”
This president’s example is a testament to
how we should live our lives. We don’t need
more things to be happy. In fact, some of the
most wealthy people in the world, have their
wealth stored in the currency of unselfishness,
kindness, and true love. Maybe its time for a
change?
The world needs more people like this. Don’t
you agree?