Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and is frequently ranked as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.
Muhammad Ali's quotes share valuable lessons children (and adults) can learn from still today. Click on the book covers below to learn more about the books featured.
1. KNOW YOUR HISTORY
"I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want." ~ Muhammad Ali
Knowing your history and the history of the world you live in empowers you to live in freedom. You are able to make informed choices and choose a path that propels you toward the life you want.
2. STAND UP FOR YOURSELF
"They did what they thought was right, and I did what I thought was right." ~ Muhammad Ali
In 1966 Muhammad Ali was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. He refused to go and publicly announced that he was a conscientious objector. As a result he was stripped of his championship and charged with a felony punishable with 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Ali stood his ground and refused to go to war. In 1971, after several appeals, Ali's charge was unanimously overturned by the Supreme Court.
It took courage and an understanding of the law for Ali to do what he did. Standing up for yourself isn't as simple as it may seem. You have to be thoughtful and knowledgeable to pick your battles wisely.
3. STRIVE TO BE EDUCATED
"Where is man's wealth? His wealth is in his knowledge." ~ Muhammad Ali
Cars, houses, and other material things are nice to have, but those things pale in comparison to the value of education. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important parts of education, but are not the only parts of education. Being able to think for yourself and discern truth from fiction is just as important. Without discernment, you are left at the mercy of others to explain things to you. The danger of blindly following someone else's analysis is that you can be lead into situations you would otherwise denounce.
4. SEEK CONTINUAL GROWTH
"A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did when he was twenty, has wasted thirty years." ~ Muhammad Ali
Education never ends. Even after you earn diplomas and degrees, there is still much for you to learn. Listen to the world around you. Ask questions so that with each day you become a little bit better than you were the day before.
5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
"I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was."
"If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it." ~ Muhammad Ali
With hard work and commitment, you can become the best version of yourself possible. Stay positive and believe that you are capable of achieving your goals.
6. JUST LIVE
"Don't count the days, make the days count."
"Live everyday as if it were your last, because someday you're going to be right." ~Muhammad Ali
Wallowing in self-pity or worrying about tomorrow is a waste of time. Live in the moment. Make the best of the time you have and keep moving forward.
