I'm a normal person, and I like living this way - and always with

Hear now the words of Gabriel Jesus, a son of Brazil whose journey carried him from humble streets to the grand stages of the world: “I’m a normal person, and I like living this way – and always with a smile on my face.” Though uttered with simplicity, these words echo with timeless wisdom. For here is a man lifted by fame, crowned by wealth, yet he declares his joy not in grandeur, but in normality, in humility, and in the quiet strength of a constant smile. In a world that glorifies excess, his words stand as a beacon of balance and contentment.

The meaning of his declaration lies in the ancient truth that greatness does not sever one from the common life, but should instead root one deeper in it. To say, “I’m a normal person”, is to reject the illusion that fame transforms the soul into something greater than others. Jesus reveals the higher wisdom: that joy is not found in being set above, but in being grounded, in remembering one’s beginnings, in keeping a heart uncorrupted by the glitter of power. And the smile he wears is proof that humility and joy are not burdens, but blessings.

History offers us examples of the same spirit. Consider Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome, ruler of nations. Though he held immense authority, he wrote in his Meditations that he was but a man, a fleeting breath, no different in his mortality than the farmer or soldier. His greatness was not in the crown upon his head, but in his refusal to forget his humanity. Just as Gabriel Jesus says, “I am a normal person,” so too did Marcus Aurelius remind himself that even an emperor must live simply, grounded in the truth of his humanity.

There is also deep wisdom in the embrace of the smile. To live with a smile on one’s face is not to deny hardship, but to choose one’s response to it. Jesus, who rose from poverty and hardship, does not smile because life was always kind to him, but because he has chosen joy as his weapon and shield. The ancients would say that the man who can smile amidst trial is greater than the man who conquers cities, for he has conquered himself. His smile is a symbol of resilience, of gratitude, of triumph over bitterness.

And yet, we must not mistake his words for simplicity alone. They are also an act of defiance against the world’s illusions. For society often demands that the great live above others, bask in luxury, and wear their status like armor. Gabriel Jesus, by saying he prefers to remain normal, resists this false crown. His greatness lies in his refusal to let fame strip him of humanity. In this way, he is both warrior and sage—warrior against pride, sage in his choice of joy.

The lesson for us, O seekers, is clear: do not chase greatness in illusions of wealth, power, or the praise of the crowd. Instead, find greatness in remaining grounded, humble, and authentic. Live simply, without forgetting who you are. Embrace your smile, not as decoration, but as a shield and a gift to others. For the humble smile of a grounded soul is more powerful than the hollow laughter of one who has forgotten their roots.

Therefore, let each one act thus: honor your origins, no matter how far you travel. Reject arrogance, for it will strip you of peace. And choose joy daily, so that your life becomes a light for others. In this way, you will not only live wisely, but you will inspire, as Gabriel Jesus has inspired, by showing that humility and happiness are the true marks of greatness.

Thus, the teaching is eternal: To be normal is not to be lesser. To live with humility and to wear a smile amidst all of life’s trials—this is true nobility. The world may crown you with titles, but the crown of the joyful, humble heart is the only one that endures.