Alexander the Great Quotes Proverbs, and Aphorisms
- July 20, 356 BC – June 10, 323 BC
- Born in Macedonia
- King of Macedonia
Alexander the Great, King of Macedon from 336 to 323 BCE, is renowned for creating one of the largest empires in ancient history, stretching from Greece to Egypt and as far as India. A brilliant military strategist and charismatic leader, he never lost a battle and spread Hellenistic culture across three continents. His campaigns led to the blending of Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and Indian influences, profoundly shaping art, science, and philosophy. However, critics point to his ruthless conquests, heavy casualties, and the fragile nature of his empire, which collapsed soon after his death. Despite this, Alexander remains a symbol of ambition, courage, and historical greatness.
- “Who does not desire such a victory by which we shall join places in our Kingdom, so far divided by nature, and for which we shall set up trophies in another conquered world?”
- “Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters.”
- “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.”
- “I do not pilfer victory.”
- “If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.”
- “Shall I, that have destroyed my Preservers, return home?”
- “I had rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and dominion.”
- “I am dying from the treatment of too many physicians.”
- “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.”
- “If we turn our backs of 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.”
- “How great are the dangers I face to win a good name in Athens.”
- “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.”
- “For my own part, I would rather excel in knowledge of the highest secrets of philosophy than in arms.”
- “A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.”
- “My father will anticipate everything. He will leave you and me no chance to do a great and brilliant deed.”
- “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”
- “You shall, I question not, find a way to the top if you diligently seek for it; for nature hath placed nothing so high that it is out of the reach of industry and valor.”
- “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 the fate of all.”
- “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.”
- “Whatever possession we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.”
- “Soldiers, I had lately like 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.”
- “Oh! Most miserable wretch that I am! Why have I not learnt how to swim?”