20 Muhammad Ali Quotes To Live By

On Friday, the world lost more than one of the greatest professional boxers in the history of the sport. The world also lost a man who so rightfully earned his title as one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. Known globally for his 56-5 win-loss record and Olympic Games glory, Muhammad Ali’s sports record was equally matched with his civil rights activism. A true champion in every shape and form, Ali inspired both in sport and in life. As we reflect on a legendary life we countdown some of our favourite Muhammad Ali quotes to live by.   

       1. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can't hit what his eyes can't see. Now you see me, now you don't. George thinks he will, but I know he won't”. 

       2. "I am America, I am the part you won't recognise. But get used to me — black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own. Get used to me."

3. “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

4. "Don’t count the days; make the days count."

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

6. "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."

7. “At home I am a nice guy: but I don’t want the world to know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.”

8. "Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong."

9. "A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”

10. “I’ve wrestled with alligators. I’ve tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning. And throw thunder in jail.”

11. "Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even."

12. “Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right.” 

13. "A man who has no imagination has no wings."

14. “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

15. “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'”

16. "I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was."

17.  “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.”

18. 'It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.'

20. "I shook up the world. Me! Whee!"

... and that you did. 

R.I.P. Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)