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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ali refuses to serve in the Vietnam War, stating he would rather go to jail than fight.
In plain terms
He says he has no quarrel with the Viet Cong and prefers jail over war.
What can you take from it?
Stand firm on your moral convictions even if it costs you freedom.

Where it applies

  • military conscription
  • political protest
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • take a stand
  • follow conscience
  • accept consequences

Questions to consider

  • When is it right to break the law for your beliefs?
  • How do you weigh personal safety against principles?

Another view

This stance was illegal at the time and led to significant personal loss.

More from Muhammad Ali

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  2. I am America. I am the part you won't recognize, but get used to me. Black, confident, cocky - my name, not yours. My religion, not yours. My goals, my own. Ge…

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  3. He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.

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