Society lost a polarizing figure this week with passing of Muhammad Ali at age 74. Muhammad Ali's legacy, no matter how controversial, will always be remembered as that of an athlete, a person and activist who has greatly impacted society both through his actions and his words.
Here are some of his words worth living by:
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”
Go help people in your neighborhood or community. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank, go on a service trip, help a neighbor with yard work or dedicate your time coaching a youth league. Go do something good to help someone other than yourself.
“Don’t count the days; make the days count.”
We can't control time. Make use of every minute you spend on this Earth, and do something meaningful while you still have the opportunity to.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Stepping away from what is familiar may be scary, but the experience may teach you something as well as a lot about yourself, especially strengths and weaknesses. You won't know if you'll fail unless you try.
“A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
The world and its views are changing. Be open minded, accept change. Treat people and their opinions, beliefs and lifestyles in a way that you would want yours respected.
“Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right.”
Things can happen when you least expect it. Accidents happen, and we never know what when our time on Earth will end. Make most of every day you have and be the best person you can be.
“I don’t have to be what you want me to be.”
Be the person you want to be, not who society tells you to be. Choose a career that you want, not one that family members want for you. Do something you want, something that you will be happy doing for the rest of your life. Create your own legacy, and leave your own mark on the world.
“I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given. I believed in myself, and I believe in the goodness of others.”
We are all ordinary until we believe in ourselves and our ability to do the extraordinary. Believe in yourself, your skills and your abilities, and in doing so others will believe in you. Do good in the world and believe that everyone in the world has goodness in them regardless of their past actions, history or wrongdoings.
“My principles are more important than the money or my title.”
Money may be important in life, but don't let it define you, it is just a number. Allow who you are—your beliefs, ideas, thoughts, talents, personality and presence—to be the most important part of who you are and your life
Rest in peace Muhammad Ali, may your legacy live on.
