Ali - What Does It Mean To Be Great

I recently took a trip down to Louisville, KY to visit the Ali Center hoping to learn the philosophies that made Cassius Clay (aka Muhammad Ali) great. What I came away with was that and a whole lot more. The center fulfills its purpose of serving as a cultural attraction and an international education center that “strives to inspire you to pursue your potential and explore the greatness that lies within yourself”.

The center does a great job in combining the life and story of Ali and boxing with a social commentary of the times that helped form the philosophies of Ali. By age 12 Ali knew that he wanted to become a heavy weight boxing champ. This goal and his Christian upbringing largely created his drive and desire for perfection and excellence. Early on, those around him witnessed his focus for detail and insatiable appetite for anything boxing. That appetite for information led him to create his own training methods and unique boxing style. What made Ali great though was his desire to champion the African American cause through his stance on the war. Ali stated (and I’m paraphrasing)…

Why would I go and fight…and you won’t even fight for my justice and equality here in America.

Ali sacrificed much while standing up for his convictions least of which was his heavyweight title. Ali became the voice and face for a people giving them the pride and courage to be black. I believe this is the driving force that led to his conversion to Islam from Christianity. The poem IF by Richard Kipling contains the 6 virtues that Ali believed and led to his greatness.

…If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:…

Just as inspiring as the life and story of Ali was the photography and art galleries within the center. As an art appreciator with so-so talent it was awesome to see the artwork of Simon Bull and photography of Howard Bingham. The time the artists spent perfecting their craft can clearly be seen in the works on display. These artists have an awesome collection of work focused on Muhammad Ali. Hopefully, I will be able to see if any of my talent still exists and can upload some inspired work to show off.

Signing off…