10 important life lessons from ex-president of Uruguay José Mujica

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10 important life lessons from ex-president of Uruguay José Mujica

In the early 70's José Mujica is a prominent member of the notorious rebel movement Tupamaros. At that time, he was one of the most wanted 'terrorists' in Uruguay. After numerous bank robberies, he is eventually overpowered after a firefight. He manages to survive six bullets in his body, but what awaits him is beyond imagination.

He spends twelve years after his arrest, mainly in miserable and inhumane conditions. The many tortures seem to be a welcome addition to the solitary confinement, but for many people, they would be reason enough to give up. Loneliness, hunger, and a lack of daylight drove José to madness, and he ended up in psychosis. It took eight years before he finally got to see someone and read something for the first time. This helped him to survive the remaining four years.

In 1985 Uruguay became a democracy again, and José is released thanks to the amnesty law. Twenty-five years later, he is elected as the 40th president and is not only able to put the country back on the map thanks to the remarkable turn of events in his life. José Mujica became known as the poorest President in the world. Below are the lessons that we can learn from this extraordinary man.

1. Be satisfied with what you have

José Mujica, who has the nickname Pepe Mujica, has been living with his wife in a one-room farm for 30 years. During his presidency, he could have chosen to live in the presidential palace but remained true to his values. According to José, people are only really poor when they need a lot because they are never satisfied.

He gives away 90% of his presidential salary and drives an old light blue Volkswagen Beatle from 1978. But only at the weekend. Once upon a time, there was a Sheikh who made an offer of 1 million dollars for his car, but he turned it down.

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