“His father is governor of Media, and though he has the greatest command given him of all the rest of my generals, he still covetously desires more, and my being without issue spurs him on to this wicked design. But Philotas takes wrong measures.”
- July 20, 356 BC – June 10, 323 BC
- Born in Macedonia
- King of Macedonia
- Established a vast empire and spread Hellenistic culture
Quote
“His father is governor of Media, and though he has the greatest command given him of all the rest of my generals, he still covetously desires more, and my being without issue spurs him on to this wicked design. But Philotas takes wrong measures.”
Explanation
In this quote, Alexander the Great expresses his concerns about Philotas, the son of one of his most trusted generals, Parmenion, and his growing ambition. Alexander is troubled by Philotas’ desire for more power, which he believes is motivated by the fact that Alexander has no heirs to succeed him, thus creating a power vacuum. This situation heightens the stakes of internal rivalries and the potential for betrayal. Alexander’s description of Philotas’ ambitions as “covetously” and “wicked” shows his distrust and the political tension within his inner circle, where loyalty was always in question, especially as Alexander’s conquests continued to expand.
Historically, this quote refers to a critical moment in Alexander’s campaign when Philotas was implicated in a conspiracy against the king. Philotas’ alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Alexander led to his arrest and execution, as well as the execution of several of his associates. Despite his father, Parmenion, being one of Alexander’s oldest and most trusted commanders, Alexander did not hesitate to eliminate threats, whether internal or external. This shows Alexander’s ruthless approach to leadership and his belief that maintaining power required eliminating even the slightest possibility of betrayal.
In modern times, this quote can be understood as a reflection on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential consequences of pursuing power at any cost. It can apply to situations in politics, business, or any environment where individuals seek to exploit opportunities for personal gain at the expense of loyalty or integrity. The tension between loyalty and ambition remains relevant today, as leaders must navigate power dynamics within their organizations or nations.
