Muhammad Ali is no more

– News from elsewhere covered by Quincy Quarry

Muhammad Ali
Image from People in Islam

Muhammad Ali has died.

Easily one of the greatest athletics ever as well as one of the most important private citizens on the world scene over the last two generations, Muhammad Ali passed quietly last night surrounded by family and friends.

As is only to be expected, the tributes to this remarkable figure came from far and wide, including from those whom some felt did not much care for Ali.

I have never been able to reconcile a man being three times heavyweight champion and it’s the least interesting thing about him.

— Richard M. Nixon (@dick_nixon) June 4, 2016

Truth be told, at the end of one’s days, a great and good person is to be respected by all.

Didn’t work, never worked!
An old Time Magazine photo

Ali was larger than life and as full of bravado as they come.

More importantly, however, he kept speaking truth to power as well as often spoke for the downtrodden and otherwise oppressed.

And true to his own conscience and personal beliefs, he himself often paid the price for standing up for what he believed was right – and which in time most came around to feeling similarly.

He also was always known for his gentle playfulness when outside of the ring, even in the presence of other important figures.

Muhammad Ali receiving Medal for Freedom
An AP file photo

Perhaps even more remarkable, however, was even after the ravages of time in general as well as from his time in the ring in particular took away his ability to speak, just the simplest of gestures by him could speak volumes.

The world is both a better place because of his efforts as well as will not be the same without him.

That and there is no better epitaph for a life well-lived.

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