Jimmy Carter just turned 100 years old, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned in the last century, it’s that this man doesn’t know how to sit still. While most of us would be enjoying a hard-earned retirement, maybe chilling by the pool, Jimmy has been busy brokering peace, eradicating diseases, and building houses. This guy’s basically the world’s greatest multitasker.
So, in honor of Carter hitting triple digits, let’s take a look at 100 ways this humble peanut farmer has made the rest of us look like slackers.
1. Brokering Peace Like It’s NBD
Back in 1978, Jimmy brokered the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. Let’s just say, he got two countries who really didn’t like each other to shake hands and play nice. Who else could make peace look this easy?
2. Invented Presidential Cardigans
In the midst of the energy crisis, Jimmy appeared on TV wearing a cardigan, encouraging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Let’s be honest—when’s the last time you took energy advice from anyone wearing a sweater?
3. Solar Panels on the White House Roof, Baby!
Long before solar panels were cool, Carter slapped some on the White House roof. In 1979. Yep, while we were all still wasting fossil fuels, Jimmy was like, “Why not use that big ball of fire in the sky?” He was way ahead of the curve.
4. Created the Department of Energy
During the energy crises of the 1970s, Carter didn’t just tell us to wear more sweaters. He created the Department of Energy to help manage the U.S. energy supply and get us thinking about the long-term. Basically, he was trying to keep the lights on without making us go broke at the gas pump.
5. Built Homes with Habitat for Humanity
What do you do when you’re a former president? Most people would retire to the golf course, but not Jimmy. He grabbed a hammer and built houses with Habitat for Humanity. This man wasn’t just overseeing the project—he was literally nailing boards together in his 90s. Let that sink in.
6. Took River Blindness Down a Peg
Ever heard of river blindness? No? That’s because Jimmy Carter has practically eradicated it. Through The Carter Center, he fought to end this parasitic disease in Africa and Latin America. Saving people’s eyesight, one worm at a time.
7. Ended Guinea Worm Disease
Guinea worm used to affect millions of people, but Carter looked at this disgusting parasitic disease and said, “Not on my watch.” Thanks to his efforts, the disease is almost completely eradicated. We’re not saying Jimmy Carter’s a superhero, but…
8. Won a Nobel Peace Prize for Kicking So Much Diplomatic Butt
In 2002, Carter finally got the official recognition he deserved—a Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of peace efforts. This wasn’t one of those “lifetime achievement awards” where they just give it to you because you’re old. Jimmy earned this.
9. Panama Canal Treaties: Fixed That, Too
Remember when the U.S. controlled the Panama Canal? Neither do most of us. That’s because Carter returned control of the canal to Panama in the late 1970s, defusing a long-standing international conflict. It wasn’t popular at the time, but it turned out to be the right call. Classic Jimmy.
10. Kept America from Melting During the Energy Crisis
Carter was the guy telling us to conserve energy long before it became fashionable. He introduced tax credits for solar energy and started looking into alternative fuel sources. In other words, he saw the climate crisis coming before the rest of us were even thinking about it.
11. Supported Civil Rights Like a Boss
Carter didn’t just sit back during the Civil Rights Movement. He was actively advocating for equal rights and made human rights the centerpiece of his foreign policy. From fighting apartheid to condemning authoritarian regimes, he wasn’t afraid to call out bad behavior.
12. Helped Fix Elections Around the World
Most people retire and maybe help with a local bake sale. Jimmy Carter decided to help monitor elections in over 100 countries. That’s right—he’s the guy making sure democracy works even when it’s not his own backyard. The rest of us struggle to vote in midterms, but Carter’s out here defending democracy worldwide.
13. Turned the National Park System into Instagram Gold
In 1980, Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, protecting over 100 million acres of wilderness. That’s right—next time you snap a selfie in a national park, you can thank Jimmy for keeping that view intact.
14. FEMA? Yeah, He Created That, Too
Carter established the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979 to help coordinate disaster response. The next time a hurricane rolls in and someone saves you from floodwaters, you can whisper a quiet “thanks” to Jimmy.
15. Married for 77 Years. SEVENTY-SEVEN
In a world where celebrity marriages last as long as a TikTok video, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have been married for 77 years. Their love story is longer than some countries’ histories. Someone get Hollywood on this, stat.
16. Supported Veterans Like the True Patriot He Is
As a Navy man himself, Carter has always fought for veterans’ rights. From ensuring access to healthcare to supporting mental health initiatives for soldiers, he’s been a tireless advocate for those who serve.
17. Made Human Rights Central to U.S. Foreign Policy
Jimmy Carter was the first president to say, “Hey, maybe we should care about human rights when we’re dealing with other countries.” And by “maybe,” he meant definitely. Carter’s foreign policy focused on holding oppressive regimes accountable and supporting democratic movements.
18. Helped Keep the Cold War Cold
During his presidency, Carter negotiated key arms control agreements with the Soviet Union, making sure that the Cold War didn’t become the hottest ticket in town. The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) set the stage for future disarmament efforts.
19. Got the U.S. and China on Speaking Terms
Carter formally recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1979, normalizing diplomatic relations. Let’s just say, without him, we’d still be playing awkward geopolitical phone tag with Beijing.
20. Restored America’s Moral Standing After Watergate
Following the Watergate scandal, the country needed a president it could trust again. Enter Jimmy Carter, the honest peanut farmer from Georgia. He rebuilt the trust between the government and the people, showing that integrity does matter in politics.
21. Habitat for Humanity Hero—Literally
Not content with being a former president, Carter joined Habitat for Humanity and built over 4,300 homes for those in need. Yes, *built*—with his own two hands. While most of us are still mastering IKEA furniture, Carter is out here constructing entire neighborhoods.
22. Made Voting Rights a Thing
Carter has long been an advocate for voting rights, speaking out against voter suppression and making sure elections worldwide are free and fair. Meanwhile, most of us barely make it to the polls on time.
23. Supported LGBTQ+ Rights Before It Was Cool
Long before it was mainstream, Carter voiced his support for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. The man’s moral compass has always pointed toward justice and equality for everyone.
24. Helped Bring Peace to Sudan
As if solving one international conflict wasn’t enough, Carter also mediated peace talks in Sudan. The man is basically the world’s diplomatic firefighter—putting out global fires wherever they pop up.
25. Tackled Mental Health
Through his wife Rosalynn’s advocacy, Carter helped push mental health reform in the U.S., ensuring that mental health was treated as a serious issue. They’ve been mental health advocates for decades—long before it was a common conversation.
You’re absolutely right! Let’s keep going. Jimmy Carter deserves every one of those 100 shoutouts, and we’re only just getting started. Strap in, because there’s plenty more to celebrate about the man who’s made being an ex-president look like a full-time job.
26. He Never Stopped Fighting for Human Rights
Through The Carter Center, Jimmy’s been on the frontlines of global human rights efforts. From freeing political prisoners to holding governments accountable for abuses, Carter’s work has changed lives.
27. He Was a Peanut Farmer First
It’s hard to imagine a U.S. president also being a peanut farmer, but Carter proved you can do both. From the fields of Georgia to the world stage, this man’s humble beginnings shaped his down-to-earth leadership style.
28. He Turned Down the White House Thermostat
During the energy crisis, Carter famously turned down the White House heat to lead by example. He was out here literally saying, “Wear a sweater, we’re conserving energy.” Iconic.
29. He Established National Solar Energy Research
Carter saw the energy future decades before the rest of us. He created the Solar Energy Research Institute in 1977 to kick-start the renewable energy revolution. Now, solar energy is big business—thanks, Jimmy!
30. He Strengthened NATO
Carter bolstered NATO during a critical time in the Cold War, ensuring that the alliance was ready to face any Soviet threats. This man was playing geopolitical chess while the rest of us were playing checkers.
31. He Raised Awareness About Mental Health (Again, Thanks Rosalynn!)
Together with Rosalynn, Jimmy helped bring mental health issues to the national conversation. They pushed for reforms to improve mental healthcare and fought the stigma long before others were on board.
32. He Expanded Legal Rights for Disabled Americana
Carter signed key legislation that laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring equal rights and access for individuals with disabilities.
33. He Pushed for Nuclear Disarmament
In addition to overseeing the SALT II negotiations, Carter was a tireless advocate for reducing the number of nuclear weapons worldwide. He truly believed that peace wasn’t just about making treaties, but about eliminating the tools of war.
34. He Advocated for Open Government
Jimmy Carter was all about transparency. He pushed for government openness and accountability, making sure the people could see what was going on behind those marble walls.
35. He Created Over 9 Million Jobs
During his presidency, Carter’s economic policies helped create over 9 million new jobs. Not bad for a guy who also found time to build houses in his free time.
36. He Improved Education
Carter was an advocate for improving public education, particularly for rural communities. His administration worked to ensure that all children—regardless of location—had access to quality schooling.
37. He Mediated Peace Between Eritrea and Ethiopia
While we were busy binge-watching Netflix, Carter was busy mediating peace between two warring African nations. The man could probably settle your family Thanksgiving argument without breaking a sweat.
38. He Fought for Ethical Trade
Carter championed ethical trade practices, ensuring that developing nations got a fair deal when trading with wealthier countries. He made sure the global playing field wasn’t tilted against the most vulnerable.
39. He Laid the Foundation for Global Health Programs
Under Carter’s leadership, The Carter Center has taken on massive health issues like malaria, trachoma, and river blindness. His programs have saved millions of lives and revolutionized global health responses.
40. He Promoted Energy Conservation
Carter promoted energy-saving habits long before climate change was a talking point. He was encouraging Americans to save power and conserve fuel, laying the groundwork for the environmental movement.
41. He Set Up the National Energy Act (1978)
Carter passed the National Energy Act to promote energy conservation, making America more efficient and reducing dependence on foreign oil. The guy was basically telling us to go green before it was trendy.
42. He Protected 157 Million Acres of Alaska’s Wilderness
In 1980, Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, creating more than 100 million acres of national parks, preserves, and refuges. That’s roughly the size of Texas. He’s practically the godfather of Instagram-worthy Alaskan vistas.
43. He Helped Free Political Prisoners Worldwide
Through The Carter Center, Jimmy Carter has been advocating for the release of political prisoners worldwide. For decades, he’s been making sure people held unjustly get their day in the sun—and freedom.
44. He Fought for Indigenous Land Rights
Carter stood up for Indigenous communities, advocating for land rights and helping protect their ancestral lands. The man knew that progress couldn’t come at the cost of displacing people who’ve called this land home for centuries.
45. He Supported the Creation of Superfund to Clean Up Environmental Hazards
In 1980, Carter signed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, aka Superfund, to clean up hazardous waste sites. He basically made sure that toxic messes left behind by industries wouldn’t turn into apocalyptic wastelands.
46. He Gave America the Public Health Service Act
Carter expanded public health services to combat rising healthcare costs and make healthcare more accessible. He was tackling healthcare long before it became a hot political topic.
47. He Signed the National Park and Recreation Act
More national parks? Yes, please. Carter created new parks and recreation areas, making it easier for people to experience the great outdoors, all while protecting natural habitats.
48. He Helped Combat Child Labor
The Carter Center has worked to end exploitative child labor practices, focusing particularly on countries where children are most vulnerable. He didn’t just fight for children’s rights at home, but across the world.
49. He Expanded Legal Aid for the Poor
As president, Carter worked to expand legal services for low-income Americans. He believed justice should be accessible to everyone, not just those who could afford high-priced lawyers.
50. He Negotiated Peace in Haiti
Carter’s diplomatic work extended to Haiti, where he helped mediate between the Haitian government and the opposition, playing a critical role in avoiding a civil war.
51. He Worked to Solve America’s Urban Housing Crisis
Carter’s administration expanded federal housing programs, ensuring low-income families in urban areas had access to affordable housing. The guy didn’t just build homes with Habitat for Humanity—he made sure the government was stepping up, too.
52. He Reduced Unemployment
Carter’s economic policies helped create millions of jobs during his presidency. Even when faced with global inflation and oil crises, he managed to steer the ship, keeping unemployment down.
53. He Wasn’t Afraid to Talk About the “Moral Equivalent of War”
Carter called the energy crisis the “moral equivalent of war” and urged Americans to unite to solve it. It wasn’t the most popular move, but hey, the guy knew how to rally people around a tough issue.
54. He Pioneered Environmental Regulation
Carter strengthened environmental regulations across the board, pushing industries to adopt cleaner practices. Long before it was cool to go green, Jimmy was leading the charge.
55. He Restored Confidence in Government After Watergate
Post-Watergate, America’s trust in the government was in the toilet. Carter, with his honest, down-to-earth approach, helped restore that trust and made “Washington outsider” a badge of honor.
56. He Promoted Fair Trade
Carter pushed for fair trade policies that benefited developing countries. He wanted to make sure economic growth didn’t come at the expense of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
57. He Rescued Stranded U.S. Diplomats from Iran
Though the Iran Hostage Crisis defined the end of his presidency, Carter’s administration did secure the release of 52 U.S. diplomats held captive in Tehran—just minutes after he left office, no less.
58. He Made Women’s Rights a Global Priority
Carter worked to ensure women had more opportunities, both in the U.S. and globally. From reproductive rights to leadership roles, Carter championed gender equality.
59. He Strengthened Medicare and Medicaid
Under Carter’s leadership, Medicare and Medicaid were expanded to provide better healthcare to seniors and low-income families. He laid the foundation for continued healthcare reform in the decades that followed.
60. He Supported Native American Sovereignty
Carter advocated for Native American rights, including sovereignty over their lands and resources. He worked to ensure that their cultural and legal rights were recognized and respected.
61. He Spoke Out Against Genocide
Carter was one of the earliest voices to call out genocide in Cambodia and Rwanda. Through The Carter Center, he’s continued to support peacebuilding efforts in regions where ethnic violence is a threat.
62. He Worked for Peace in North Korea
In the mid-1990s, Carter made a private diplomatic visit to North Korea that helped ease tensions and led to an agreement that froze the country’s nuclear program. He was still pulling diplomatic miracles out of his hat long after leaving office.
63. He Worked for Democracy in Venezuela
Carter and The Carter Center helped mediate political tensions in Venezuela in the early 2000s, promoting peaceful elections and ensuring the country’s transition to democracy wasn’t marred by violence.
64. He Advocated for Environmental Justice
Carter believed that environmental degradation disproportionately affected the poor, so he worked to ensure that everyone had access to clean air, water, and land, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
65. He Advocated for Refugee Rights
Through his diplomatic work and The Carter Center, Jimmy fought for the rights and dignities of refugees, ensuring that displaced people received humanitarian aid and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
66. He Advanced Nuclear Arms Reduction
Carter didn’t just want to contain the spread of nuclear weapons—he wanted to reduce the stockpile. He pushed for arms reduction treaties that made the world a safer place, one less warhead at a time.
67. He Built Homes Post-Hurricane Katrina
After the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, Carter and Rosalynn were on the ground, building homes with Habitat for Humanity. This wasn’t some photo-op; he was rolling up his sleeves and getting to work in the Gulf Coast.
68. He Advanced AIDS Research
The Carter Center worked to promote AIDS research and provided resources to combat the spread of HIV, especially in underserved communities. His advocacy played a role in bringing the global AIDS epidemic to the forefront.
69. He Supported Non-Violent Conflict Resolution
Carter has always advocated for non-violent solutions to conflict, from the Middle East to Africa. He believes there’s always an alternative to war, and his efforts have proven that time and time again.
70. He Made Moral Leadership Cool Again
In a time when politics felt dirty and corrupt, Carter reminded Americans that moral leadership mattered. His humility, honesty, and dedication to doing what’s right left a lasting impression on the presidency.
71. He Rehabilitated American Foreign Policy
Carter shifted U.S. foreign policy away from the Cold War-era mentality and toward a focus on diplomacy, human rights, and peaceful negotiation, changing how the U.S. engaged with the world.
72. He Supported Peace in the Middle East
Carter’s work toward Middle Eastern peace didn’t stop with the Camp David Accords. He continued to be an advocate for Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and regional peacebuilding.
73. He Signed the Water Project Act
Carter signed the Water Project Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to help communities across the U.S. manage their water resources sustainably.
74. He Worked to Eradicate Malaria
Carter and The Carter Center have played a huge role in the global fight against malaria. By distributing mosquito nets and promoting education, they’ve helped dramatically reduce malaria cases in some of the world’s most affected areas.
75. He Helped Improve U.S.-Africa Relations
Carter was one of the first U.S. presidents to make a strong commitment to improving diplomatic and economic relations with African nations. He believed in fostering partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
76. He Supported LGBTQ+ Rights
Long before it was a mainstream political stance, Carter voiced his support for LGBTQ+ rights. His leadership and advocacy for marriage equality demonstrated his unwavering commitment to human dignity.
77. He Worked to Promote Free and Fair Elections Globally
Carter has overseen election monitoring in dozens of countries, ensuring that people everywhere have the right to participate in free and fair democratic processes. He’s basically the democracy watchdog of the world.
78. He Protected Endangered Species
Carter’s environmental policies also focused on protecting endangered species. Thanks to his efforts, many animals were placed on the Endangered Species List, helping to preserve biodiversity.
79. He Promoted Global Literacy
Carter’s advocacy for education didn’t stop at the U.S. border. Through The Carter Center, he’s promoted literacy programs across the world, recognizing that education is the key to lifting people out of poverty.
80. He Helped Mediate Peace in East Timor
After years of violence and political turmoil, Carter helped bring international attention to the situation in East Timor, aiding in its eventual path to independence and peace.
81. He Advanced Public Health in Africa
The Carter Center has helped bring basic healthcare services to some of the poorest and most remote areas of Africa, improving access to medical treatment for diseases that had been neglected for far too long.
82. He Advocated for the Fair Treatment of Migrant Workers
Carter worked to improve conditions for migrant farmworkers, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and access to healthcare. He knew that human rights didn’t stop at the U.S. border or at the gates of a farm.
83. He Promoted Fair Housing
Carter worked to end housing discrimination and supported legislation aimed at ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or income, had access to safe, affordable housing.
84. He Improved U.S.-Latin America Relations
Carter took steps to improve relations with Latin America, including pushing for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Nicaragua and El Salvador. He believed in diplomacy over intervention.
85. He Helped Liberia Transition to Democracy
Carter helped oversee Liberia’s first democratic elections in decades, helping the war-torn nation move toward peace and stability. The guy just can’t stop spreading democracy.
86. He Helped Reduce Child Mortality
Carter’s health initiatives, particularly in Africa and Latin America, have helped reduce child mortality rates by providing vaccinations, clean water, and better nutrition to at-risk populations.
87. He Expanded Voting Rights Protections
Carter pushed for stronger protections for voting rights in the U.S., especially for minorities and disenfranchised communities. He understood that democracy only works when everyone has a voice.
88. He Promoted Healthcare for the Homeless
Carter advocated for expanded healthcare services for the homeless, recognizing that healthcare is a basic human right and that no one should be denied access to treatment just because they don’t have a roof over their head.
89. He Played Peacemaker in Venezuela
Carter helped mediate political crises in Venezuela, promoting peaceful elections and supporting efforts to reduce tensions between the government and the opposition. He’s basically the world’s favorite go-to mediator when things start to unravel.
90. He Supported Equal Pay for Women
Carter has always been a champion of women’s rights, and during his presidency, he advocated for equal pay legislation to ensure women received the same compensation as men for the same work.
91. He Worked to Eliminate Elephantiasis
Through The Carter Center, Jimmy worked tirelessly to eradicate the disfiguring disease elephantiasis in some of the world’s poorest regions. He’s the reason millions of people no longer suffer from this painful condition.
92. He Advocated for Nuclear Power Safety
After a near-disaster at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in 1979, Carter promoted stricter safety standards for nuclear power. He helped prevent future crises, keeping us from glowing in the dark.
93. He Championed Religious Freedom
Carter consistently stood up for religious freedom, both domestically and internationally. He worked to ensure people everywhere could practice their faith without fear of persecution.
94. He Fought to End Hunger
Carter made addressing hunger a priority through initiatives at The Carter Center, advocating for sustainable agriculture and food security programs that would provide long-term solutions for food shortages.
95. He Promoted Civic Engagement
Carter didn’t just talk about democracy—he lived it. He inspired generations of Americans to get involved in their communities, vote, volunteer, and make a difference.
96. He Worked to Prevent War in the Horn of Africa
Jimmy Carter’s diplomacy in the Horn of Africa helped prevent armed conflict in the region. His ability to bring opposing sides to the table made peace a real possibility in areas plagued by instability.
97. He Advanced Access to Clean Water
Through his global health initiatives, Carter has helped bring clean water to communities that previously had none. His efforts have drastically reduced waterborne diseases and improved overall health in the regions served.
98. He Advocated for Stronger Voting Rights Protections in the U.S.
Carter spoke out for voting rights long after his presidency, consistently advocating against efforts to restrict voting access. He worked to ensure that every American had the right and ability to vote without barriers.
99. He Supported Gender Equality Globally
Carter’s advocacy for women’s rights didn’t stop at the U.S. border. He has been a vocal supporter of gender equality on a global scale, working to combat discrimination and promote education and healthcare for women and girls around the world.
100. He Helped Fight for Peace in the Middle East After His Presidency
After leaving office, Carter remained deeply involved in efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He brokered dialogues, visited the region, and even authored a controversial book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, advocating for a two-state solution. His commitment to peace in the region has never wavered.
And there you have it—100 ways Jimmy Carter has shaped the world for the better over the last century. From his time in the White House to his years hammering away at Habitat for Humanity sites, the guy has shown us all how to live a life of service. So here’s to you, Mr President—happy 100th birthday! You’ve made the world a better, brighter, and more peaceful place for us all. Now, go enjoy that slice of cake—you’ve more than earned it.
