Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer.

— Muhammad Ali

The critics only made me work harder.

— Muhammad Ali

The day I met Islam, I found a power within myself that no man could destroy or take away from me.

— Muhammad Ali

The greatest victory in life is to rise above the material things that we once valued most.

— Muhammad Ali

The man who has no imagination, has no wing

— Muhammad Ali

The name Muhammad is the most common name in the world. In all the countries around the world - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon - there are more Muhammad's than anything else. When I joined the Nation of Islam and became a Muslim, they gave me the most famous name because I was the champ.

— Muhammad Ali

The word 'Islam' means 'peace.' The word 'Muslim' means 'one who surrenders to God.' But the press makes us seem like haters.

— Muhammad Ali

This is the legend of Cassius Clay, The most beautiful fighter in the world today. He talks a great deal, and brags indeed-y, of a muscular punch that's incredibly speed-y. The mystic world was dull and weary, But with a champ like Liston, things had to be dreary. Then someone with color and someone with dash, Brought fight fans are runnin' with Cash. This brash young boxer is something to see And the heavyweight championship is his destiny. This kid fights great; he’s got speed and endurance, But if you sign to fight him, increase your insurance. This kid's got a left; this kid's got a right, If he hit you once, you're asleep for the night. And as you lie on the floor while the ref counts ten, You’ll pray that you won’t have to fight me again. For I am the man this poem’s about, The next champ of the world, there isn’t a doubt. This I predict, and I know the score, I’ll be champ of the world in ’64. When I say three, they’ll go in the third,10 months ago So don’t bet against me, I’m a man of my word. He is the greatest! Yes! I am the man this poem’s about, I’ll be champ of the world, there isn’t a doubt. Here I predict Mr. Liston’s dismemberment, I’ll hit him so hard; he’ll wonder where October and November went. When I say two, there’s never a third, Standin against me is completely absurd. When Cassius says a mouse can outrun a horse, Don’t ask how; put your money where your mouse is! I AM THE GREATEST!

— Muhammad Ali

Throughout my life, I never sought retribution against those who hurt me because I believe in forgiveness. I have practiced forgiving, just as I want to be forgiven. Only God knows what's in a person's heart, his true intentions. He sees and hears all things.

— Muhammad Ali

Truly great people in history never wanted to be great for themselves. All they wanted was the chance to do good for others and be close to God.

— Muhammad Ali