Why Mujica refuse luxury?

20250516

Why Mujica refuse luxury?

José Mujica was the President of Uruguay who died recently. His death is a shock of many who did not know him before.

 He said he is not poor.

 He said poor is  someone who needs a lot.

 I think he is more or less like 董建華 Tung Chee-Hwa  who chose to live in his own old  house rather than the presidential residence.

Mujica was said to be the poorest President in the world, but he said he is not poor.

This is the most influencial reminder for the world since.

and,  why he said:

"you can’t take away what I’ve had."

... ... this is another important idea.

He is a philosopher with this one single line.

 The following is a report from CNN.

from CNN:

The folksy, former guerrilla is remembered for his modest lifestyle during his presidential term – famously shunning the presidential palace to carry out his duties from his rural farm.

His modest life led many to refer to him as the “world’s poorest president,” a moniker he took issue with.

“I’m not a poor president; poor is someone who needs a lot,” he said in a 2014 interview with CNN. “My definition is Seneca’s. I’m a sober president; I need little to live, because I live the way I lived long before I became president. I still live the same way, in the same neighborhood, the same way, and I’m a republican president. I live the way most of my people live.”

" I’ll continue to fight alongside my comrades, faithful to my way of thinking, and entertaining myself with my vegetables and my chickens,” he said. “For the rest, I am grateful, and after all, you can’t take away what I’ve had.”

Alberto Fernández, former president of neighboring Argentina, praised Mujica’s modesty, calling him “an example of austerity in a society that rewards those who amass fortunes.”

notes from AI:

Seneca the Stoic philosopher. 

Who Was Seneca?

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c. 4 BCE – AD 65) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, playwright, and advisor to Emperor Nero. He is one of the most prominent figures of Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes rationality, self-control, virtue, and living in accordance with nature.

Key Aspects of Seneca’s Philosophy

1. Virtue and Moral Excellences

Seneca believed that the ultimate goal of life is to develop virtue—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—and to lead a morally upright life.

2. Control over Emotions

He emphasized mastering passions and emotions, advocating for a life of inner tranquility (ataraxia). He thought that many human suffering comes from uncontrolled desires and passions.

3. Acceptance of Fate

Seneca taught that we should accept what we cannot control (like death, illness, or others’ actions) with equanimity. This aligns with the Stoic concept of amor fati—love of fate.

4. Living According to Nature

He encouraged living simply and in harmony with nature and rationality, recognizing that external events are indifferent and that our judgment determines our experience.

Notable Works:

Letters to Lucilius (Letters from a Stoic):** A collection of 124 letters offering practical advice on how to live a good and tranquil life.

On the Shortness of Life (De Brevitate Vitae):** A treatise emphasizing that life is long enough if used wisely.

On Anger (De Ira):** Advice on controlling anger and its destructive effects.

On the Firmness of the Wise Person (De Constantia Sapienti):** About maintaining inner resilience.

His Influence and Legacy:

Seneca’s writings have greatly influenced both ancient and modern thought, especially regarding ethics, emotional regulation, and resilience. His ideas are still studied in philosophy, psychology, and leadership.

A Note on His Life:

Despite his philosophical teachings promoting simplicity and virtue, Seneca was also involved in Roman politics and was an advisor to Nero. His life was complex, and some critics view his involvement in political intrigue with skepticism.

note:  it was said he was advisor to Nero,  and Nero was famous for his luxury life......it needs more study here.