I'm real cool, like to smile, and like to have fun.

The words of Anthony Bennett may seem lighthearted, almost playful, yet they conceal a truth that resonates across the ages: “I’m real cool, like to smile, and like to have fun.” To the unwise, these may appear as casual remarks, but to those who listen with the ears of the spirit, they are a lesson in how to carry oneself through the burdens of life. For what greater strength is there than to be calm in storm, joyful in trial, and unafraid to laugh in the midst of hardship?

When he says he is “real cool,” it is not merely about composure or appearance, but about a soul that is unshaken, one who does not allow the heat of chaos to set his heart aflame with fear. To be cool is to be master of oneself, to move through life with steadiness when others tremble. This ancient virtue was praised by the Stoics of Greece and Rome, who taught that true power lies not in conquering others but in governing one’s own passions. Bennett’s words echo this old wisdom: calmness is not weakness, but the foundation of greatness.

And then, he speaks of the smile. A smile is the simplest and yet most profound of gifts, a bridge between souls that transcends words. In every age, men and women have found solace in the curve of lips that say, “You are not alone.” The smile disarms enemies, encourages friends, and restores hope to the weary. Consider Abraham Lincoln, whose humor and gentle smile calmed even bitter rivals during the darkest days of the American Civil War. His leadership was not forged only in speeches or battles, but in the warmth of his presence. In this way, Bennett’s delight in smiling aligns with a truth known by sages and leaders: joy is strength.

Lastly, he declares that he likes to have fun. This too is no trivial matter, but a reminder that life is not meant to be endured in grimness alone. The ancients celebrated festivals and dances not as luxuries, but as sacred acts to refresh the spirit. To “have fun” is to embrace the fullness of life, to honor the balance between labor and rest, between striving and rejoicing. Without joy, effort becomes a burden; without play, even victory turns to ash. Bennett’s wisdom calls us to remember that fun, laughter, and celebration are not distractions from life—they are part of its very essence.

Yet his words also carry a subtle challenge: many will walk through life grim-faced, hardened by fear of failure or consumed by pride in seriousness. They may scoff at the one who smiles, thinking him naïve. But it is far more courageous to walk with joy when the world is heavy than to collapse into bitterness. To be cool, to smile, to have fun—these are acts of resilience, choices that declare, “The world will not steal my spirit.” This is not mere playfulness; it is strength cloaked in simplicity.

The lesson for us is clear: cultivate composure, spread joy, and embrace the moments of delight that life offers. Let your coolness be the anchor in storms, your smile the flame that warms others, and your laughter the song that lightens the burdens of the day. In doing so, you will not only enrich your own life but also uplift those who walk beside you. For often, it is not the grand speeches or mighty victories that leave the deepest mark, but the small joys shared, the smiles remembered, and the laughter that lingers.

So, carry this teaching into your days: be cool in hardship, be joyful in spirit, and be playful in heart. Let your life be a balance of steadiness, kindness, and fun. For in this harmony lies true strength—not the brittle strength of pride, but the enduring strength of one who knows how to live fully, joyfully, and wisely. And when your time is done, others will not only recall what you achieved, but how you made them feel—uplifted, comforted, and alive.