“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.”
- July 20, 356 BC – June 10, 323 BC
- Born in Macedonia
- King of Macedonia
- Established a vast empire and spread Hellenistic culture
Quote
“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.”
Explanation
In this quote, Alexander the Great defends his integrity against accusations that he might have coveted Queen Stateira, the wife of Darius III, the Persian king whom Alexander defeated. The quote highlights Alexander’s self-control and sense of honor in a context where personal desires could easily have led to political scandal. His refusal to even listen to those who spoke of her beauty is a deliberate stance, showing his commitment to maintaining moral authority and not allowing his personal desires to interfere with his leadership. In the ancient world, where power dynamics were often reinforced through marriage alliances, such an act could have been seen as either an act of high principle or an expression of political restraint.
Historically, Alexander’s relationship with Darius’ family was complex. After his victory at the Battle of Issus (333 BCE), he took Darius’ family as captives, including Stateira. However, rather than claiming her as a concubine, Alexander is said to have treated her with respect, an action that was unusual for the time. This quote can be seen as a public declaration of his commitment to acting as a noble conqueror, emphasizing that his ambitions were focused on political and military success, not personal gratification or exploitation.
In modern times, this quote may be interpreted as a message about integrity in leadership and the importance of maintaining moral boundaries even when one has the power to act otherwise. Leaders today can draw from this example the value of controlling their impulses and remaining focused on their greater responsibilities, especially in situations where personal and professional lines may blur. The quote also emphasizes how actions, particularly those of influential individuals, can influence public perception and leadership legacy.
