“There are those who believe that power is up above, and they don’t notice that it’s actually in the hearts of the great masses.”
- May 20, 1935 – May 13, 2025
- Uruguayan
- Politician, Former President of Uruguay, Former Guerrilla Fighter, Advocate for Simple Living
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Quote
“There are those who believe that power is up above, and they don’t notice that it’s actually in the hearts of the great masses.”
Explanation
In this quote, José Mujica offers a deeply democratic vision of political power, challenging the belief that authority resides solely in institutions, elites, or ruling classes. The phrase “power is up above” refers to traditional hierarchies—governments, executives, and other high offices—but Mujica asserts that real power lies “in the hearts of the great masses,” meaning the collective will, values, and action of ordinary people.
This idea reflects Mujica’s long experience as both a revolutionary and a statesman. He understands that governments cannot truly govern without public support, and that lasting change originates not from decrees but from movements—from people who demand justice, equality, and dignity. His quote echoes the principles of grassroots democracy, where legitimacy comes from below, not above.
Today, his message remains urgent. In an era where many feel powerless in the face of global crises and political corruption, Mujica reminds us that citizens hold more influence than they often realize. His words encourage political awareness and civic participation, affirming that the strength of any society lies not in its rulers, but in its people—their hopes, choices, and collective resolve.
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