“Shall I, that have destroyed my Preservers, return home?”
- July 20, 356 BC – June 10, 323 BC
- Born in Macedonia
- King of Macedonia
table of contents
Quote
“Shall I, that have destroyed my Preservers, return home?”
Explanation
This quote is attributed to Alexander the Great, reportedly spoken in a moment of deep remorse after he killed Cleitus the Black, one of his most trusted generals and lifelong companions, in a fit of drunken rage. The term “Preservers” refers to those who had protected and supported him, especially in his early conquests. By questioning whether he should return home after committing such a betrayal, Alexander reveals a rare moment of vulnerability and moral reckoning.
The historical backdrop is telling: Cleitus had saved Alexander’s life at the Battle of Granicus and was a seasoned Macedonian officer. But during a banquet, tensions escalated over Alexander’s increasing adoption of Persian customs and his perceived arrogance. After Cleitus criticized him, Alexander, in a moment of fury, struck him down. The quote captures the torment and self-loathing that followed—an internal struggle between his imperial ambition and his humanity.
This moment resonates in modern leadership or personal contexts where grave mistakes hurt those closest to us. Whether in politics, business, or family life, the line speaks to the devastation of breaching loyalty and the emotional cost of ego-driven decisions. It reminds us that true greatness is tested not only in conquest but in accountability, and that even the most powerful are not immune to grief and guilt.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
