12 inspiring leadership quotes from Muhammad Ali

Jun 7, 2016

U.S. boxing great Muhammad Ali poses during the Crystal Award ceremony at the World Economic Forum .

In honour of Muhammad Ali,we've collected some of his most memorable quotes. Image: REUTERS/Andreas Meier

José Santiago

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On 3 June 2016, the world lost one of the greatest sporting figures in history. Muhammad Ali was not only a great athlete, he was also a humanitarian whose prowess in the ring was matched by the wit and wisdom of his words.

Ali fought racial injustice and donated much of his time to humanitarian and charity missions around the globe, including the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.

In honour of a boxing champion who could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, we present some of his most memorable quotes:

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

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.

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.

Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.

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.

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

Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.

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

To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.

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