“I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was,” Ali stated after defeating Sonny Liston for the first time in 1964. Weilbaecher disapproves Ali’s comments by stated in the article, “I don’t believe in what he did, and that “I’m the greatest” is a good example for our young people.” Weilbacher failed to realize that Ali was setting a prime example for the youth. He taught people to have high self-esteem despite all the negativity. Muhammad had to prove to others that he is and will forever be the greatest. Muhammad Ali told himself and others that he was the greatest so that he can continue to meet those standards. Ali gave numerous people a feel that they can become and do anything besides skin color or social status.
