Regardless of the boxers who may come along in the future, Muhammad Ali will always go down as one of the greatest and most influential boxers in history. With a plethora of accolades throughout his boxing career, he ended retired with a record of 56-5, a gold medal from the 1960 Olympics, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Although Ali was known for his skills in the ring and his strong beliefs against war, he was also known for his positivity. The boxing champ spoke many words meant to inspire and motivate his listeners, and here are our favorite Muhammad Ali quotes to keep you motivated.
“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
Small-minded people think that changes are bad, but they’re great. By allowing yourself to change and grow into a truer and better version of yourself, you are doing yourself a favor. Muhammad Ali knew that those who had the same views and opinions when they were 20 as well as when they were 50 thwarted their mental, spiritual, and emotional growth.
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”
Ask anyone what the meaning of life is, and you’ll get a series of different answers. According the Ali, we are only renting our space here on Earth, and the price we have to pay is helping others. It’s always easy to focus on our own problems and forget that millions of other people have their own problems. Taking time out to help others is a great way to humble ourselves and help make a difference.
“I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was.”
Sometimes we doubt our own abilities, and this Muhammad Ali quote will keep you strong and believing in yourself. In this quote, Ali says he would tell himself he was the greatest before he even knew he was. By putting the thought into his mind, Ali was able to strive and persevere until he was the greatest. Speak your goals and dreams into existence, and with hard work, you’ll accomplish them.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Those who are afraid of failure will never be able to live out their dreams and Muhammad Ali knew this. Success rarely ever comes on the first try, so it’s important to take the risk because then you’ll know you did everything in your power to try to live out your dreams. In the words of another heavily quoted person, Dr. Seuss said, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
Quite possibly his most famous quote, everyone was repeating his after his biopic starring Will Smith came out in theaters. This has a great meaning that works for everyday life. Butterflies are gentle and graceful, and these are two great things to portray in life. When it’s time to make a statement, make sure you sting like a bee. Be confident, assertive, and powerful. It’s not about the pain of the sting, but leaving an impression and making yourself memorable because we’re sure everyone remembers if they were stung by a bee.
Muhammad Ali left a great impression in the world of sports and to the general public. If you’re still looking to remember him, check out R. Kelly’s video for “World’s Greatest,” which was heavily inspired by the boxing legend or watch Will Smith’s portrayal of him in the film Ali.
