José "Pepe" Mujica, the former president of Uruguay, recently celebrated his 89th birthday and shared reflections on his life during an interview with BBC News Mundo. Despite recovering from esophageal cancer, Mujica's passion for life, politics, and nature remains strong.
During the interview, Mujica, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, spoke about the importance of having a purpose in life. He emphasized that the awareness of mortality can give life flavor, comparing it to the salt of existence. Mujica stated, "All living beings are made to fight for life," highlighting the resilience found in both humans and nature.
He also discussed his disappointment with consumerism and the societal pressures that lead to self-exploitation, stating that many people spend their lives merely paying bills instead of pursuing their passions. Mujica believes that finding a central cause to live for is essential to avoid being consumed by the market.
Mujica's recent reflections come after the election of his political heir, Yamandú Orsi, as president of Uruguay, which he described as a personal victory. He expressed gratitude for the support of his wife, Lucía Topolansky, and the companionship they share in their later years.
As he faces the challenges of aging and illness, Mujica's insights remain poignant, urging society to rethink its values and priorities, especially in the face of climate change and economic inequality.