Service to others is the rent which you pay for your room here on earth.

Service to others is the rent which you pay for your room here on earth.

But there are certain very practical things American Negro writers can do. And must do. There's a song that says, read more

But there are certain very practical things American Negro writers can do. And must do. There's a song that says, "the time ain't long." That song is right. Something has got to change in America—and change soon. We must help that change to come.

Fifteen referees. I want fifteen referees to be at this fight because there ain't no one man who can keep read more

Fifteen referees. I want fifteen referees to be at this fight because there ain't no one man who can keep up with the pace I'm gonna set except me. There's not a man alive who can whup me. I'm too fast. I'm too smart. I'm too pretty. I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever get licked.

I say get an education. Become an electrician, a mechanic, a doctor, a lawyer — anything but a fighter. In read more

I say get an education. Become an electrician, a mechanic, a doctor, a lawyer — anything but a fighter. In this trade, it's the managers that make the money and last the longest.

Pleasure is not happiness. It has no more importance than a shadow following a man.

Pleasure is not happiness. It has no more importance than a shadow following a man.

African nationalism is meaningless, dangerous, anachronistic, if it is not, at the same time, pan-Africanism

African nationalism is meaningless, dangerous, anachronistic, if it is not, at the same time, pan-Africanism

There are more pleasant things to do than beat up people.

There are more pleasant things to do than beat up people.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

My toughest fight was with my first wife.

The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses — behind the lines, in the gym and out there read more

The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses — behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.