Ali: A Life - Jonathan Eig

November 2019

I finished this book conflicted about Ali and what he means. He was not a “good” guy - extraordinarily racist towards other black boxers, cheated on every one of his wives (sometimes had them organise his affairs), claimed to be a devout Muslim but picked and chose what parts he wanted to apply, associated with some off-the-charts sketchy people. But he was a guy who liked to entertain and who was on the right side of history across race, religion and politics. He didn’t conform to what was expected of a black athlete (or a black person) in the mid-20th century, and for that reason he (eventually) became a beacon to people of every race, religion and political persuasion.

I’m not sure there’s a big lesson here. It’s hard, in all the contradictions, to figure out who Ali was or what he really believed in, besides himself. Sure does show you how far a lot of self-belief can take you though.