When a U.S. president leaves office, they face a crossroads. Stripped of the immense power and prestige of the presidency, they must redefine their purpose and carve out a new role for themselves. While many have leveraged their fame for personal gain, Jimmy Carter chose a different path – one of tireless service, integrity, and working for the greater good. His post-presidential journey stands as a shining example of a life dedicated to lifting others up.
A Humble Return to His Roots
After his 1980 defeat to Ronald Reagan, Carter returned to Plains, Georgia, moving back into the modest home he’d lived in before his presidency. This simple act spoke volumes about his character. There would be no high-profile consulting gigs or paid speeches; instead, Carter rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
He was the only 20th-century president to move back into the (very modest) house in which he had lived before.
Jan-Werner Müller, Princeton University
The Carter Center: Waging Peace and Fighting Disease
In 1982, Carter founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating suffering. Under his leadership, the Center has:
- Monitored over 110 elections in 39 countries to ensure fairness and transparency
- Worked to eradicate Guinea worm disease, reducing cases from 3.5 million in 1986 to just 54 in 2019
- Mediated conflicts and promoted peace in Haiti, Bosnia, Sudan, and the Middle East
These efforts earned Carter the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, a testament to the global impact of his post-presidential work.
Building Hope with Habitat for Humanity
Carter’s commitment to service also led him to a long partnership with Habitat for Humanity. For over three decades, he and his wife Rosalynn have volunteered with Habitat, building homes for those in need. Even in his 90s, Carter continued to swing a hammer at the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
Carter’s post-presidential life has been a model of the idea that public service doesn’t require a government title or trappings of wealth and power.
A Stark Contrast to His Successors
Sadly, few ex-presidents have followed Carter’s shining example. While he demonstrated that one could do tremendous good without cashing in on the presidency, others have:
- Pursued lucrative book deals, speaking engagements, and consulting contracts
- Leveraged their connections to hobnob with the global elite
- Charged exorbitant sums for speeches, especially to Wall Street firms
As Jan-Werner Müller astutely notes, “The justification that some immensely talented individuals opted for government and thereby decided to forego massive amounts of money – hence it’s OK for them to cash in later – misses the point that public service should be a calling, not something for which one ought to expect extraordinary financial compensation later on.”
A Legacy That Will Endure
In a world often driven by greed and self-interest, Jimmy Carter’s post-presidency stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of a life devoted to service. He showed us that a former president’s most valuable currency isn’t access or influence, but the ability to bring people together to solve problems and create positive change.
As we reflect on Carter’s extraordinary second act, may we be inspired to ask more of our leaders, both current and former. May we challenge them—and ourselves—to measure success not in dollars earned, but in lives touched and suffering eased. In doing so, we’ll not only honor the legacy of Jimmy Carter but also make our world a little brighter.
