Making a Life: A look at Muhammad Ali’s wisdom
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Billy Howard
I recently came upon an interesting quote credited to the late boxing champion that provided a glimpse into the rarely publicized philosophical outlook of Ali’s thought process. He is, arguably, one of the best professional boxers who ever laced up a pair of gloves but fans are seldom allowed access to the incredible mind behind the quick-witted “pokes” and rhythmic “jabs” that often effortlessly rolled off his tongue.
In the history of sports, few figures loom as large as Muhammad Ali. Known for his lightning-fast punches and quick-witted rhymes, he was much more than an athlete; he was a philosopher and a global symbol. One of his statements that still rings true today, especially as you navigate life, is this: “We spend more time learning how to make a living than we do learning to make a life.”
At first glance, this might seem a little confusing. Isn’t making a living the whole point of school? You study math, science, and history so you can get into a good college, get a good job, and secure a comfortable future. We spend hours on homework, stressing over tests, and planning for careers we might not even start for another decade, if ever. That’s the ‘making a living’ part, and it’s certainly important. After all, everyone needs to be able to pay bills and put food on the table.
But Ali’s quote challenges us to look deeper than just a paycheck. He suggests there’s a more valuable kind of education we often neglect…learning to make a life. What exactly does “making a life” mean? Making a living is about acquiring the necessary resources: money, a title, possessions, etc., while making a life is about acquiring the necessary values and experiences– happiness, strong relationships, a sense of purpose, and inner peace.
For most people beginning the journey of life, the pressure to “make a living” starts early. You’re constantly asked, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” and the answer is usually a profession: doctor, engineer, artist, programmer, or any number of career choices that happen to be popular at the moment. This focus can make one feel like every decision is only valuable if it serves that future career goal. A student might drop an art class he or she loves because it “won’t help their college application,” or avoid joining a club because of the need to dedicate more time to an AP class.
Ali’s statement is a reminder to pause and check your balance. Is all your time spent on things that will improve the resume, and none on things that will improve you? Learning to make a life means developing your character. It means understanding that the qualities of a good person, kindness, empathy, integrity, and resilience, are far more valuable and longer-lasting than a high-paying job. It means investing time in your family and friends, because those relationships will support you far more than any bank account. It means exploring hobbies and passions that truly bring you joy, giving your life depth and color beyond the black and white of a spreadsheet.
For instance, studying for that math test is making a living. Volunteering at a local shelter, learning to manage stress through exercise, or sitting down to have an honest conversation with a struggling friend; that is making a life. These are the skills that build a meaningful existence. They teach you how to handle setbacks, how to connect with others, and how to define success not just by what you have, but by how you live and how you treat people.
As students and young adults look forward to the next few years of high school and beyond, remember Ali’s powerful advice. Don’t just plan your career; plan your character. Don’t just work for money; work to be a better human being. The truly great lives are built not just on professional achievements, but on personal fulfillment, strong connections, and a clear sense of what truly matters. By finding the right balance between learning to make a living and learning to make a life, you can ensure that the successful future you are working toward is also a truly happy and meaningful one.
To pose a question, comment, or share your opinion about this opinion, you can reach Howard at bg@authorbghoward.com or P. O. Box 8103, Jacksonville, FL 32239.
