Project 366 / 155 — RIP Muhammad Ali

There’s going to be a lot of articles, reports, stories and anecdotes about Muhammad Ali over the coming days, weeks, months and years. And quite right too. Here was a man who transcended generations, who spoke for the man with no voice and who stood up for the beliefs of many.

Just as Nelson Mandela suffered personally for his cause, so did Ali. His stand against Vietnam robbed him of the best years of his fighting career. But what a career. It just goes to show that self belief, bravado, wit, confidence and eloquence mixed with unbelievable and undeniable talent can literally overcome any obstacle. Sonny Liston and George Foreman to name but two were literally the goliaths of their era and even the “experts” feared for Ali’s life. He proved once again that it’s not always about brawn.

There’s much to learn from Ali, from both inside and outside the ring. When faced with a difficult situation he would dig deep, find his resolve, find courage and get back up. If this man could achieve what he did, in the period of time that he did it, then we all can overcome our challenges too.

Ali died today at 74 after suffering with Parkinsons for 32 years. That means he was 42 when he was first diagnosed. Just think about that for a second — 42. What a tragic diagnosis at such an early age. Yet Ali had somehow managed to squeeze more than two lifetimes into the first 42 years. The way he spoke and the speed in which he delivered his narrative was simply breathtaking. So much of what he spoke about still resonates today — it’d be a good use of your time to research it. These “Greats” almost have a sixth sense of their limited time. They are incredibly insightful and philosophical. Bruce Lee was much the same.

2016 continues to rob us of some of the most influential icons of our era. But Ali, he was and always will be the greatest.