How My Mom’s Quote-Collecting Led to a Day with Muhammad Ali

I owe a special thanks to my mom for inspiring me to create my first book, Quotations for Successful Living (QFSL), even though she did not think it was a good idea at that time. Two years later, after QFSL was in its second edition, mom and dad saw a first edition copy on a professor’s desk at the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. With dog-eared pages and special quotes highlighted in yellow, mom was impressed. That night she called me to say the book was great. Thanks mom.

Sometimes your biggest supporter can also be your biggest doubter. This reminds of a quote from Muhammad Ali, “I sought advice and cooperation from all those around me – but not permission.” When I was introduced to Mr. Ali, he said, “Please call me, Muhammad,” and signed my personal hard back copy of my book by his quote. I had a huge smile the whole night.

The next day Muhammad had a book signing at a Barns & Noble in Atlanta. At noon, the line was out the door, down the block and around the corner. Mr. Ali’s autograph session was scheduled to start at one. The manger, who knew me from promoting my book there the previous month, invited me to come inside. She told me she had never seen a line like this for a book promotion. I thought maybe she needed my help. As it turned out Muhammad, who came just with his wife, Lonnie, and his biographer, wanted assistance. I helped them out the whole day.

During a brief break, just after the accompanied photo was taken, I asked Muhammad if he had a chance to peruse my book. He gave me a soft smile, then winked and said, “Hal, your book, it’s the greatest!” I slumped to my knees as tears came to my eyes. He laughed gently, caressed my head with his hand, and whispered, “Hal, please help me out, there are lot more books to sign.”

Muhammad had stayed up till one in the morning the previous night signing bookplates, which are self-adhesive, just in case he couldn’t sign the next day. In the face of his Parkinson’s challenge he determinedly signed every copy legibly. An incredible feat! I helped by anchoring the books. Thank you Muhammad, for a day I will never forget!

Almost a third of the quotes in QFSL were originally gathered by my mom. She posted them around our home; on the refrigerator, inside kitchen cabinets and sometimes put them in our lunch bags as surprises for me and my sister. When mom posted new encouraging passages she put the old ones in a box, thus creating a collection.

Eventually, I started to cut out or write down inspiring sayings I heard or saw expanding the compilation until the box overflowed with inspirational messages. I arranged the quotation book, which is ‘Dedicated to Your Success,’ chronologically by the author’s birth dates so it would give the reader a sense of history. Civilization has brought great technological advances, but the most important things in life are eternal. Have a great day!

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