José Mujica might just be the greatest President on the planet. He’s certainly a fan favourite—not only did he turn down Uruguay’s presidential home to live in his wife’s modest farmhouse, but he also turned the state-provided presidential suite into a homeless shelter. He also legalized marijuana, publicly denounces consumerism, and gives 90 per cent of his income to charity.
Aside from his humanitarian initiatives, Mujica—known by many as “Pepe”— escaped prison twice and survived six gunshot wounds during Uruguay’s dictatorship, many years ago.
That’s right, Pepe is one bad motherfucker.
But Mujica is also wise. There’s a reason he was elected president – his 50 Cent-esque past aside. In the documentary Human, filmed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Mujica is granted a long segment to discuss his views on consumerism, the world economy and ultimately, the human condition. Sometimes all it takes is a few words from the Uruguayan President to remind us of our priorities, and to realign our perspectives on life.