“If we turn our backs on the Scythians who have provoked us, how shamefully shall we march against the revolted Bactrians; but if we pass Tanais and make the Scythians feel, by dear experience, that we are invincible, not in Asia only, it is not to be doubted but that Europe itself, as well as Asia, will come within the bounds of our conquests.”
- July 20, 356 BC – June 10, 323 BC
- Born in Macedonia
- King of Macedonia
- Established a vast empire and spread Hellenistic culture
Quote
“If we turn our backs on the Scythians who have provoked us, how shamefully shall we march against the revolted Bactrians; but if we pass Tanais and make the Scythians feel, by dear experience, that we are invincible, not in Asia only, it is not to be doubted but that Europe itself, as well as Asia, will come within the bounds of our conquests.”
Explanation
In this quote, Alexander the Great articulates his reasoning for taking military action against the Scythians, a nomadic people who had provoked him. He draws a direct connection between the Scythians’ challenge and the larger goals of his conquest. If he were to ignore or retreat from the Scythians, it would set a weak precedent, making it difficult to face other rebellious factions like the Bactrians (who had revolted against his rule). However, by decisively defeating the Scythians, Alexander believes he could solidify his reputation as an invincible leader, thereby strengthening his ability to conquer not only Asia but eventually all of Europe as well.
Historically, Alexander’s vision for expanding his empire was global, and he sought to push his military campaigns far beyond the traditional boundaries of the known world. The Scythians, who occupied the northern fringes of his empire, were a key obstacle that needed to be dealt with to prevent them from disrupting his future campaigns. By proposing a confrontation with the Scythians, Alexander also aimed to send a message to other potential adversaries: his empire was not just a force in Asia but one that could conquer across both continents. This was part of his larger vision of unification and conquest, driven by the idea of bringing the known world under a single ruler.
In modern times, this quote can be seen as a reflection on the importance of responding decisively to challenges in leadership. It speaks to the idea that allowing weakness or perceived failure to go unchecked can embolden others and undermine a leader’s authority. This is especially relevant in political or business leadership, where inconsistencies or failures to act can lead to a loss of credibility and influence. The idea of ensuring one’s invincibility—whether in terms of political power, military strength, or leadership authority—remains an important theme, and the quote underscores the value of taking swift, strong action when faced with threats or provocations.
