The name Alexander the Great evokes images of epic battles, heroic feats, and an unstoppable drive for conquest. But beyond his legendary military achievements, Alexander was also a man of profound wisdom and insight.
Alexander the Great quotes offer lessons on leadership, determination, education, innovation, and courage, and continue to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most famous quotes of Alexander the Great and their relevance to our lives today. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone seeking inspiration, you’ll find valuable guidance in these powerful words from a true visionary.
Who is Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great was a king of Macedonia who lived in the 4th century BC. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history, having conquered vast territories from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and India. He died at the age of 32, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire people today.
Here are some well-known facts about Alexander the Great:
- Alexander was born in 356 BC in Pella, the capital of Macedonia, to King Philip II and Queen Olympia.
- As a child, he was tutored by the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle, who taught him a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, ethics, politics, and science.
- He embarked on his famous military campaign, known as the Persian Campaign, in 334 BC, with the aim of conquering the Persian Empire.
- During his campaign, he won a series of decisive battles against the Persians, including the Battle of Issus in 333 BC and the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC.
- He founded numerous cities, including Alexandria in Egypt, which became a major center of learning and culture.
Famous Alexander The Great Quotes
It is better to have no women to dinner at all than to have only ugly ones.
The best prophet is he who guesses well.
There is nothing impossible to him who will try.
In the end, when it’s over, all that matters is what you’ve done.
I would rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity.
For my part, I think that to a man of spirit, there is no other aim and end of his labors except the labors themselves.
Are there no more worlds that I might conquer?
I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.
At Achilles’ tomb, O fortunate youth, to have found Homer as the herald of your glory!
O Athenians, what toil do I undergo to please you?
But truly, if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.
So far as I am concerned, I could not be accused of having set eyes or having wished to set eyes, upon Darius’ wife: on the contrary, I have refused even to listen to those who spoke to me of her beauty.
There are so many worlds and I have not yet conquered even one.
What an excellent horse do they lose, for want of address and boldness to manage him! … I could manage this horse better than others do.
With the right attitude, self-imposed limitations vanish.
I consider not what Parmenio should receive, but what Alexander should give.
I am dying with the help of too many physicians.
Without Knowledge, Skill cannot be focused. Without Skill, Strength cannot be brought to bear and without Strength, Knowledge may not be applied.
My logisticians are a humorless lot … they know if my campaign fails, they are the first ones I will slay.
God must have loved Afghans because he made them so beautiful.
Let us conduct ourselves so that all men wish to be our friends and all fear to be our enemies.
Soldiers, I had lately liked to have been taken from you by the attempt of a few desperate men, but by the grace and providence of the gods, I am still preserved.
True love never has a happy ending, because there is no ending to true love.
Glory crowns the deeds of those who expose themselves to toils and dangers.
Bury my body and don’t build any monument. Keep my hands out so the people know the one who won the world had nothing in hand when he died.
I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that, in the face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal.
I foresee a great funeral contest over me.
Alexander The Great Quotes on Success, Leadership & Courage
My father will anticipate everything. He will leave you and me no chance to do a great and brilliant deed.
Toil and risk are the prices of glory, but it is a lovely thing to live with courage and die leaving everlasting fame.
Are you still to learn that the end and perfection of our victories is to avoid the vices and infirmities of those whom we subdue?
The end and object of conquest is to avoid doing the same thing as the conquered.
I am indebted to my father for living but to my teacher for living well.
On their side, more men are standing, on ours more will fight!
When we give someone our time, we actually give a portion of our life that we will never take back.
How happy had it been for me had I been slain in the battle? It had been far more noble to have died the victim of the enemy than fall a sacrifice to the rage of my friends.
Remember upon the conduct of each depends on the fate of all.
Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters.
I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on Earth, stays on Earth.
I send you a kaffis of mustard seed, that you may taste and acknowledge the bitterness of my victory.
S*x and sleep alone make me conscious that I am mortal.
Are there no more worlds that I might conquer?
In faith and hope the world will disagree, but all mankind’s concern is charity.
Each moment free from fear makes a man immortal.
I had rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and dominion.
In the end, when it’s over, all that matters is what you’ve done.
My treasure lies in my friends.
There is something noble in hearing myself ill-spoken of when I am doing well.”
A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.
As for a limit to one’s labors, I, for one, do not recognize any for a high-minded man, except that the labors themselves should lead to noble accomplishments.
How should a man be capable of grooming his own horse, or of furbishing his own spear and helmet, if he allows himself to become unaccustomed to tending even his own person, which is his most treasured belonging?
We of Macedon for generations past have been trained in the hard school of danger and war.
There is something noble in hearing myself ill-spoken of when I am doing well.
Shall I pass by and leave you lying there because of the expedition you led against Greece, or shall I set you up again because of your magnanimity and your virtues in other respects?
There is nothing impossible to him who will try.
Remember, the conduct of each depends on the fate of all.
Whatever possession we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.
Wrapping up: Best Alexander The Great Quotes
We hope that this collection of quotes of Alexander The Great has sparked your curiosity and imagination.
Which quote from Alexander the Great did you find most powerful or insightful? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation!
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