That was a f****g dumb question. If I didn't think I was gonna win, why the hell would I be fighting?!

I'd be conceited if I said I could, but I'd be lying if I said I couldn't.

To win takes a complete commitment of mind and body. When you can't make that commitment, they don't call you a champion anymore.

Why waltz with a guy for 10 rounds if you can knock him out in one?

Roland La Starza was tough, but Ezzard Charles was the toughest man I ever fought. I learned what pain was all about when I fought him.

I was on my face. I heard the count from one to 10. I kept telling myself that I had to get up, but I couldn't move. I couldn't make myself move. It was the strangest feeling.

Liston is like most big bullies, if you can stay away and make him miss for a few rounds he'll get frustrated. Once you strip away that feeling of invincibility, he can be had.

What could be better than walking down any street in any city and knowing you're the heavyweight champion of the world?

In the ring, I never really knew fear.

The greatness of Marciano in the ring was defined by the way he prepared for a fight, his ability to punch and take a punch.

I believe, in my prime, I could have fought with anybody alive.

There is only Love -- and Stories. All else is but a shadow dream.

She was becoming herself and daily casting aside that fictitious self which we assume like a garment with which to appear before the world.

I find, on my own travels, that the most depressing form of culture shock is experienced when you go into a country that is under the thumb of a dictator.

Basketball is one of those rare opportunities where you can make a difference, not only for yourself, but for other people as well.

I think it's a pity that in many people's minds constitutional reform and PR have come to mean much the same thing.

I am appalled that the term we use to talk about aging is 'anti'. Aging is human evolution in its pure form. Death, taxes and aging .... We are ALL going to age and soften and mellow and transition.

No chance. It'd be like cutting off our hands." "Then learn to live without your hands." "No, because then we won't be able to do this," Ben says, giving him the finger [...]

It's brilliant, being depressed; you can behave as badly as you like.

To be creative is to worship. To be creative is to participate in the great process of creation - and participating in creativity is participating in God.

I'm not serious most of the time.