Lucas's Blog

The Humble Taxi Driver

The unsung hero of the modern world

Every day, in just about city on earth, taxi drivers ferry people from point A to point B,

Navigating cities and towns across the globe for a pre-determined fare.

They’re often overlooked, yet they play a vital role in the lives of countless people.

Over the past few months, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in taxis.

It’s been a great way to practice my slowly improving español

But more than that,

it’s given me a window into the lives of these drivers—the people sitting just beside you buckled into the same ride.

Language barriers aside, taxi rides are really like speed dating without the romance,

If you’re open to striking up a conversation.

You have just enough time to get a glimpse into someone else’s life, their story, and their motivations.

I once met a Venezuelan woman in Medellín who was driving Uber to pay her rent and send money back home to her family.

Then there was the guy with a picture of his five kids hanging from his mirror, all of whom he was working hard to put through school.

Each driver, despite their varying circumstances, had dreams and aspirations beyond the wheel.

What I’ve come to admire about taxi drivers is their shared desire for a better life.

The job isn’t glamorous—it’s repetitive, tiring, and sometimes dangerous.

Yet these men and women get behind the wheel each day, working away for their families and their futures.

On this trip alone, I’ve probably taken 40 or 50 taxis.

The broken conversations I’ve had

The stories I’ve heard

The laughs I’ve shared

I’ve found a deeper appreciation for the personal circumstances we all come from.

It’s a humbling reminder of how much our lives are shaped by the human lottery we’re born into.

Regardless of where we come from

almost everyone shares the same fundamental desire: to create a good life for themselves and their loved ones.

Despite what you see online

not everyone wants to have 5 houses and a fast car

Most people just want to feel safe, raise a family & live peacefully

So this post is a shoutout to all the taxi drivers out there—the unsung heroes who keep the world moving day after day.

Next time you step out of a cab, take a moment.

Chat with the driver

ask about their day, what they like

and when you retrieve your bags and prepare to leave, don’t forget to shake their hand

Because sometimes, those small interactions can make their entire week.

LB