The death of Muhammad Ali, a boxing champion has shocked the world.
His contribution to humanity is not only limited to the boxing competitions.
His effort to be a role model and a defender of minority bore fruits. His refusal to join the army to assert his stand on racism is one of the boldest and greatest moves ever made.
The following quotes on various issues are the memories of why he was The Greatest.
He knew his direction and claimed that, "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. " On persistence and determination he had to say that," I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.''
His approach to friendship was a brilliant statement, ''Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
A renown risk taker, he encouraged that, "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."
In setting the record clear and critiquing the media, Ali harangued, "The word 'Islam' means 'peace.' The word 'Muslim' means 'one who surrenders to God.' But the press makes us seem like haters.
"Human is to mistakes and errors but if the mission is noble, he said, "I've made my share of mistakes along the way, but if I have changed even one life for the better, I haven't lived in vain."
He gave a relationship between failure and success too, "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."
And he knew the meaning of potential, "If they can make penicillin out of mouldy bread, they can sure make something out of you."
His quotes were many, he appreciated despite being great, God was greatest. He has succumbed to death, but his mark in the world is indelible. May his soul Rest In Eternal Peace.