Focus: Morality and Sociology
Year 11 English
Introduction:
Reading The Tao of Muhammad Ali by Davis Miller surprised me. I expected a straightforward sports biography, but what I got was something much deeper and more personal. It’s not just about boxing or fame—it’s about identity, values, and how people influence each other. The book made me think more carefully about morality and how society shapes us, especially through the lives of public figures like Muhammad Ali. I also found myself reflecting on my own experiences and how we sometimes need role models to help us figure out who we are.
Summary of the Book:
The story mixes Miller’s personal life with Muhammad Ali’s story. Miller grew up feeling weak, awkward, and disconnected, and he looked up to Ali as someone powerful and confident—everything he felt he wasn’t. Later, Miller actually meets Ali, and their connection becomes the heart of the book. What struck me most was how honest Miller is about his struggles. The book isn’t just about Ali’s greatness but also about how his flaws and choices helped shape someone else’s life. That personal angle made the story more real and meaningful to me.
Morality in the Book:
One of the things that stood out to me was how Ali followed his own moral code, even when it cost him everything. When he refused to go to Vietnam, I could really see how much he believed in his values. He wasn’t doing it for attention—he was doing what he thought was right, even though people hated him for it. That kind of courage made me think about what it means to live morally. It’s not always about being perfect, but about standing up for what you believe in, even if you’re alone. I found myself wondering if I would have the same strength in his position.
Miller also questions his own moral choices throughout the book. He doesn’t try to make himself look heroic—he’s just a regular person trying to understand what matters. That honesty made it easier for me to connect with him and think about my own values, too.
Sociology and Society:
Another thing I found really interesting was how the book shows the way society reacts to people who are different. Ali didn’t just break the rules in the boxing ring—he challenged racism, religion, politics, and what people expected from a Black athlete. The media and public had a hard time accepting someone who wouldn’t stay quiet and follow the script.
Through Miller’s eyes, I started to understand how Ali became more than just a sports figure—he became a symbol of resistance. The book also helped me see how society can pressure people to fit in, and how important it is to fight for your identity, even when it’s hard.
I also related to Miller’s feeling of being on the outside. Like him, I’ve sometimes felt unsure of where I fit in. Seeing how he looked to Ali for inspiration reminded me that we all need someone to look up to—not just for their success, but for how they deal with challenges and stay true to themselves.
Conclusion:
The Tao of Muhammad Ali is a book I didn’t expect to connect with, but I really did. It goes way beyond boxing and fame. It’s about morality, identity, and how people affect each other in deep and lasting ways. Ali wasn’t perfect, but that’s what made him human—and inspiring. Miller’s honest storytelling made me reflect on my own life and how I define what’s right, and how I fit into the world around me. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in more than just sports—it’s about what it means to be yourself, no matter what the world expects of you.
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