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?
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