Even out of office, Carter didn’t run around sucking up to the establishment like so many do, with their six-figure speaking gigs and foundation vanity projects. He got his hands dirty—literally—swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s. Think about that. He was out there building houses for people who actually needed them, while other politicos are out there building their “brands” or jacking up their speaking fees while they produce big budget mellow dramas about the apocalypse.

And Carter had the balls to call out everyone’s bullshit, from human rights abusers across the globe to Israeli apartheid policies. Yeah, he said that—“apartheid”—before half the world even dared to whisper it. He basically told AIPAC to fuck themselves with a pig hoof, which in the twisted landscape of American politics is about as bold as you can get. In a system that practically worships lobbyists and money, Carter said, “Nah, I’m good,” and spoke the truth. That’s some fearless shit right there.

Now, let’s not sanitize history: Carter’s presidency wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Mistakes were made, compromises happened. But here’s the glimmer of hope—he remained a great man. Maybe the last truly great man in that level of power who put principle above ambition. He went for the risky shots instead of toeing the party line, whether it was extending a handshake to so-called “enemies” or exposing the brutality committed in foreign lands. He lived the ideals that Washington so often just pays lip service to.

And yeah, he lived a long life, but in some ways, watching today’s political shitstorm probably ate at him more than any disease could. It’s fucking heartbreaking to see your life’s convictions trampled on while people in power throw around “American values” like it’s a goddamn slogan for sale to the highest bidder. Carter never stopped hustling for the powerless, never lost his moral North Star, and never let the system buy him out.