As many of you have probably heard, Muhammad Ali died last Friday. He was one of the greatest heavyweight boxers. He was not only one of the best in the ring, Ali was also one of the best at teaching life lessons. Here are 5 of Muhammad Ali’s quotes that I think about almost every day.

1. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

I try to apply this lesson whenever I am in a competition. From tennis to science olympiad, I find myself in quite a few competitions. I always remember to be gracious, like a butterfly, but also be powerful in competition, like a bee.

2. Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.

As somebody who volunteers at least 3 hours a week, this quote is what motivates me to continue to do so. Yes, sometimes I do feel like leaving on a slow day at the hospital, but I remember that the Earth does so much for me and I should give back. I remember that the Earth gave me a family, a roof over my head, food to eat and a great education. The least I could do is help a few people out in a hospital.

3. Suffer now and live the rest of your life like a champion.

This quote really motivates me to do well in school. It reminds me that if I work really hard now, I can get my dream job and fell like a champion. It also motivates me to work out during the off season for tennis. I know that if I suffer now and do those ten extra push-ups, I will be able to play harder in a tennis match.

4. I don’t have to be what you want me to be.

This quote really reminds me to be what I want to be, not what my friends, teachers or parents want me to be. This quote reminds me that, even though my parents always wanted me to play the violin, it is okay that I just didn’t like to and I quit. It reminds me to never feel guilty for not living up to somebody else expectations. In turn, it makes me want to live up to my own expectations and be who I want to be.

5. If they can make Penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.

Whenever I feel like I have no purpose, I use this quote to pick myself back up. It reminds me that everybody on this earth has a purpose. This quote really shows that even if you are not good at running, you have a purpose; you may be the next Einstein. In turn, maybe you are not good at school, you still have a purpose; you may be the next Michael Jordan.

Muhammad Ali’s silver tongue truly had a great effect on my life. I hope you too can read some of his quotes and learn the great lessons he taught.