Remembering The Greatest: Muhammad Ali

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” ~Muhammad Ali

That is just one of the many illustrious quotes by The Greatest.

The world learned a great deal from him. The world respects him as he respected himself and other people. The world remembers him, and will never cease to do so for all eternity.

Cassius Clay Jr. (aka. Muhammad Ali) was a professional and Olympic boxer, as well as a well-known civil rights activist. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942, and started his training as a boxer at 12 years old. Not long after winning a gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympic games in Rome, he converted to Islam. Muhammad Ali—also commonly known as “The Greatest of All Time,” “The Legend,” and “The Man,”—stood up for his beliefs and persevered in life, and in the ring. Despite the discrimination culminated against him, he continued to teach the world important life lessons. The Greatest of All Time was far from anything cowardice; he was a fighter, a believer, and a truly influential citizen of the world.

Muhammad Ali was also known as an “innovative strategist,” as stated on his official website muhammadali.com. He is responsible for creating new methods and approaches in the boxing world, as well as many unforgettable in-the-ring fighting moments. Some of these are “Anchor Punch,” and the “Rope-a-Dope.” He was a fearless warrior in the ring and a peaceful humanitarian when not fighting. During the Vietnam War, Muhammad Ali was stripped of all his titles, imprisoned, and expunged from boxing for 3 years—simply because he refused to enlist in the military. This was only the start of the voice Ali created for the American people on this widely controversial matter. In his lifetime, he did this on many occasions, when no one else would. That is one of the many reasons why Muhammad Ali is known as “The Greatest.”

His outspoken personality and determination inspired many, and continues to do so. This was evidently seen when Cassius Clay made a statement regarding African Americans in the United States, and their struggle for equality(below).

“I know I got it made while other black folks are out there catchin’ hell, but as long as they ain’t free, I ain’t free.” ~Muhammad Ali

Because of this statement, as well as his outstanding and prestigious boxing career, Ali literally motivated African Americans everywhere to continue their fight for equality on a exponentially large scale. Because of his strong urge to speak his mind and never cower from anything, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. made a difference in the battle for what he felt was right.

We must learn from what Muhammad Ali tried to teach the world. Thus, we should strive to be more like him collectively, and individually—true citizens of the world—determined, courageous, fearless figures—incredible inspirations to the world. To honor his life, we must all unite as one, end conflicts, and strive to create a peaceful and more tolerant world.

Let the whole world and its future generations never cease to remember the lessons taught by Muhammad Ali;

Let us never forget—