Arnold Schwarzenegger is a global icon. While many struggle to reach the zenith of their career of choice, the Austrian Oak conquered three different fields. The bodybuilding icon won the Mr. Olympia title seven times, setting a record. He also won the prestigious Mr. Universe title five times. Following his bodybuilding success, Arnie then evolved into a Hollywood action star.

Throughout the 80s and most of the 90s, Arnie starred in some of the most groundbreaking films of their respective genres. Conan the Barbarian (1982), the 1984 and 1991 Terminator films, Predator (1987), and more made him an action icon. However, Schwarzenegger recently admitted to enjoying his third career as Governor of California, despite it being the least glamorous.

Arnold Schwarzenegger felt he was in a unique position

Becoming a politician might not be as glamorous, leaving fans in awe on the bodybuilding stage or the silver screen. However, the governorship provided the Austrian-born Hollywood star with an opportunity to exercise the desire to learn and apply those learnings to help others. In his new book, Be Useful: Seven Rules of Life, Arnold Schwarzenegger explained how

Schwarzenegger credits his immense success to learning from others. Throughout his different careers, the bodybuilding legend has had many mentors. Schwarzenegger would often seek out people who excelled in the fields he wanted to shine in and ask them “good ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions.” While he did it during his bodybuilding and acting days, governorship taught him more about everything.

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“That’s why I loved being governor more than any job I’d ever had,” Arnie stated. “It was an opportunity to soak up all this information about the way our society runs,” Schwarzenegger added in his book. As a public servant, the True Lies star also relished the fact that he could use the information “to help millions of people.” Arnold Schwarzenegger also tried to be selfless as governor.

The bodybuilding legend refused his salary

Besides learning from some of the best minds in various fields like politics, economics, science, and more, Schwarzenegger also desired to serve selflessly. The bodybuilder and Hollywood icon had earned millions by the time he became governor. Hence, the governor refused to accept his governor’s salary.

Despite the position paying $187,000, Arnie refused to take the money. During an interview with TIME, the 76-year-old reflected on his decision. Arnie revealed that he enjoyed the experience of serving the people of California and didn’t do it for financial gain.

Hence, despite having to deal with scrutiny for his every action, Arnold Schwarzenegger enjoyed his role as a public servant.

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