Being born into a privileged family is still a dream of many. However, not everyone prefers opting for a lavish life without earning it. Oscar-winning actor Will Smith’s son, Jaden Smith, is one of those star kids who chose to live a simple yet meaningful life.

During an interview, Smith shared that despite having all the things available at hand, his son opted for the necessities in life. Smith also shared his desire to gift his son a pair of shoes and went on to reflect on the struggle he faced as a kid since he came from a rather poor family.

Will SmithWill Smith reflected on his son Jaden Smith’s simple lifestyle

Will Smith is a renowned actor, who certainly needs no introduction. The actor is married to Jada Pinkett Smith, with whom he shares two children; 25-year-old son Jaden Smith and 22-year-old daughter Willow Smith. Both his children are well-established in their respective niches.

Previously, during an interview with Esquire, Smith talked about his son Jaden Smith and praised him for his simple living despite having the advantage of a luxurious life.

Jaden Smith

Will Smith is an established actor with an impressive net worth of $350 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The actor has earned this massive fortune with his dedication and hard work. Like any other parent, Smith’s hard-earned money is for the luxury of his family, but despite having it all, his son prefers living a simple life. Discussing his son, Smith said,

“He has refused to be a slave to money. I so respect that.”

Further Smith revealed that his son has owned just one pair of shoes, three pair of pants, and five shirts. Smith explained his son’s impressive mentality by stating,

“It’s so interesting to me that from growing up in that space, he could see the need for things in a way that he’s rejecting. He’s like, “I’m not gonna let myself need things in that way” 

Smith concluded by saying that he wanted to gift his son ‘another pair of shoes.’

Will Smith shared his personal struggle story

Will Smith

During the same interview, Smith also reflected on his old days when he used to live with limited sources. Smith talked about his “slavery to dollars” journey and shared,

“I came from a middle-class background, but, you know, our lights and gas would be cut off from not paying the bill. I grew up in a house where you would need the kerosene heaters in the winter in case the bills didn’t get paid.”

Indeed Smith has seen a fair share of struggle in his life, but it’s all the result of his hard work that he has firmly established himself in the film industry. When the interviewer asked Smith if he was enjoying the benefits of his hard work, Smith replied by saying, “There is a great line in Lawrence of Arabia. Anthony Quinn.”

“The Turks pay me a golden treasure, yet I am poor because I am a river to my people.” I just love that line. So I’m getting a T-shirt made: I AM A RIVER TO MY PEOPLE. I just love that line. I want to take care of people. I want to help people.”

Smith shared a profound thought by saying that the thing that makes him the happiest is when someone else gets better through his creations.