I grew up watching the televised fights of Muhammad Ali. I appreciated his boxing skills and his showmanship.

Only later did I learn more about and appreciate even more the man. 

I always knew of the controversy that took his title away, but only as I became more mature did I appreciate how courageous his anti-war stance was at the time he took it. 

And only as I followed his post-boxing career could I appreciate how he reached out to the world, seeking to bridge chasms and bring people together.

Ali was only a man and had flaws. But he rose above them like few of us do. 

He ennobled us by his life and good works.

And made us all better.