“I’m called ‘the poorest president’, but I don’t feel poor.”
- May 20, 1935 – May 13, 2025
- Uruguayan
- Politician, Former President of Uruguay, Former Guerrilla Fighter, Advocate for Simple Living
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Quote
“I’m called ‘the poorest president’, but I don’t feel poor.”
Explanation
With this quote, José Mujica addresses the global media label often assigned to him, not to refute it, but to redefine what true poverty and wealth mean. Though he lived simply—driving an old car, rejecting a presidential palace, and donating most of his salary—he did not see this lifestyle as deprivation. On the contrary, he felt rich in purpose, freedom, and human connection, which he valued more than material possessions.
By saying “I don’t feel poor”, Mujica challenges the widespread equation of wealth with consumer goods, money, and luxury. His contentment with modest means points to a philosophy of sufficiency, where happiness arises not from accumulation but from simplicity, inner peace, and meaningful relationships. It is a direct critique of capitalist definitions of success, especially in societies where self-worth is often measured by spending power.
In an era dominated by consumerism and rising inequality, Mujica’s words serve as a powerful counter-cultural message. They remind us that poverty is not just a lack of things, and wealth is not just the abundance of them. His life and leadership embody the idea that choosing to live with less—when done freely—can be an act of liberation rather than limitation.
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