What does Maximus say in the film "Gladiator", "smiles at us all"?

In "Gladiator" Maximus said: "I knew a man who once said, 'Death smiles at us all.' All a man can do is smile back." Here some film critics have mentioned that Emperor Commodus is trying to instill fear into Maximus. It is a trick; you trash-talk your opponent, try to convince him that defeat is inevitable. If your opponent becomes frightened or distracted or rattled, he is more likely to do something stupid and leave himself open to attack.

The quote by Maximus is his way of saying that he has 'always accepted death.' He sees it as being inevitable (especially considering his line of work). "Death smiles at us all" is a line that comes naturally from him. He does not fear death. "All a man can do is smile back."  Indeed, it's a philosophy for him (Maximus) that's probably had a lot to do with his success as a general and leader of armies.