Power Without Excess

We’ve all seen pictures of the largest tyrants lounging around golden toilets, throwing money at everything. But not every single powerful leader has lived lavishly. In fact most of them went about their lives pretty modestly and didn’t splurge their wealth. Not only will staying below your means keep your wealth secure, it can empower you with hyperfocus, discipline, and legacy.

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1. George Washington 

Before he was president, Washington lived in a small log cabin. He farmed Mount Vernon but was cautious with his money. Washington avoided excess purchases to remain frugal while in office.

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2. Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln rose from humble beginnings in a log cabin. Even when president, he stuck to simple dining and frugal habits. He never let money or the power change his modest lifestyle.

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3. Thomas Jefferson 

Jefferson was a skilled designer but didn’t let excess creep into his life. He preferred new ideas and knowledge over fancy things. Jefferson loved to learn more than he loved to spend money.

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4. James Madison

Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” Madison avoided showing off. He lived a quiet life on his property Montpelier and kept humble habits. Madison didn’t blow his budget so he could focus on his work.

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5. Harry S. Truman

Harry Truman refused to live extravagantly even after he was president. He kept his home modest and drove an average car while altering the world. Truman showed that power doesn’t have to lead to extravagance.

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6. Dwight D. Eisenhower 

President Eisenhower didn’t spend his money on frivolous things. He liked to keep routines, work efficiently, and buy practical products. Even Eisenhower’s kids avoided extravagant and lazy habits.

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7. Theodore Roosevelt

Teddy Roosevelt could have lived the high life but refused to slow down. He preferred the outdoors to lounging and focused on adventures. Roosevelt invested in living life to the fullest instead of money.

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8. Franklin D. Roosevelt

President Franklin Roosevelt navigated two of the largest crises in US history while thinking practically about money. He kept his personal budget fairly humble as he led the country. FDR knew wealth did not equate to power and leadership.

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9. Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez fought for labor and civil rights working men whilst living very modestly. Although his efforts were recognized nationwide, Chavez took no pleasure in riches and lived only for the people he worked for. A true example of a leader living amongst his people.

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10. James Garfield

James Garfield grew up in poverty and remained cheap even when he became President of the United States. Public service was more important to him than money. He stayed humble when it came to luxury and material things.

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11. William Wilberforce

Leader of the anti-slave trade movement in Britain. Despite being well-known for leading the cause to abolish Britain's involvement in the trade, he lived a simple life and supported the things he preached in Parliament. The choice to live modestly made him more focused on his beliefs and what he stood for.

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12. Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi made simplicity a lifestyle and wore simple clothes. He didn’t own much and used money in a very sparing way. Gandhi used his financial habits to make a political statement about power.

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13. Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter avoided lavish living despite becoming President of the United States. Carter dedicated his life to humanitarianism and serving others. His goals and ambitions continued even after his presidency ended, which kept him grounded and humble as well.

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14. Benjamin Franklin

Ben Franklin believed money should be spent on useful things, not for show. Franklin was humble with his habits and investments. He poured money into his brain instead of fancy items.

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15. John Adams

John Adams spent his life budgeting and watching his pennies. Like most presidents on this list, Adams avoided extravagance. He cared more about public service than private wealth.

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16. Harriet Tubman

Known for her work with the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman lived a humble life. After she became famous, Tubman avoided fancy expenses and lived modestly. She kept her finances simple like her mission was simple.

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17. Abigail Adams

Political adviser and early women's rights activist who used her correspondence with husband John Adams to influence political decisions. She never once requested things she wanted. When running her husband's home, she lived simply and humbly.

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18. Eleanor Roosevelt

Former First Lady Roosevelt lived simply and smartly while changing the world. She could’ve lived in luxury as a world icon, but she didn’t. Eleanor kept her mind and heart in the right place by living modestly.

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19. Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil rights leader who organized and led nonviolent protests to achieve racial equality. Despite being famous all over the world, he lived a simple life with no luxuries. He never took advantage of the opportunities the movement brought him.

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20. Nelson Mandela 

27 years in prison could’ve changed Nelson Mandela. Instead, he came out of jail without wanting for riches or expensive items. Mandela kept his lifestyle humble while leading South Africa through conflict.

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