“I give myself the luxury of saying what I want.”
- 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 give myself the luxury of saying what I want.”
Explanation
In this quote, José Mujica expresses his personal independence and moral courage, highlighting a rare form of freedom: the ability to speak one’s mind without fear or compromise. By calling it a “luxury,” he acknowledges that many people—especially those in power—are constrained by political pressure, economic interests, or fear of public backlash. His words suggest that true liberty lies not in material wealth, but in the freedom to live and speak authentically.
This declaration is not just about self-expression—it reflects a life of choices that freed him from the trappings of conventional power. Mujica’s austere lifestyle and rejection of excess allowed him to remain unburdened by obligations to elites or corporate interests, giving him the credibility and clarity to speak openly about controversial issues like inequality, environmental degradation, and the failures of modern capitalism.
In today’s world, where leaders often carefully manage their words for approval or advantage, Mujica’s stance is both rare and powerful. His quote encourages individuals to live in a way that allows for honesty—to prioritize integrity over conformity, and to remember that the greatest freedom may come not from having more, but from needing less.
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