He lived a life of absolute poverty. Eating or sleeping in a safe place was a constant struggle. He was considered as a worker, belonging to the laborer caste of the society. He had struggles in accessing safe and well payed jobs and businesses. However, he made many friends. People saw Mongo as cultivated, eager to read and learn when possible, and mastering writing, which he did for friends. He was force of nature, and people saw in their body and beauty the incarnation of a god. He was considered spiritless, and unable to make a decision.