Alexander the Great: Ten Quotes That Reflect His Leadership and Ambition

Introduction

Hussain
3 min readAug 5, 2023

A renowned military strategist and conqueror, Alexander the Great left an indelible mark on history with his daring military campaigns and unprecedented achievements. A charismatic leader, he inspired his troops and conquered vast territories, earning a place in history as one of the greatest military commanders of all time. Here are ten quotes attributed to Alexander the Great that illustrate his leadership, ambition, and profound impact on the ancient world.

1. “I do not fear an army of lions led by sheep; I fear an army of sheep led by a lion.”

This quote reflects Alexander’s belief in the power of strong leadership. He recognized that a skilled and fearless leader could inspire ordinary men to achieve extraordinary feats on the battlefield.

2. “I would rather live a short life of glory than a long life of darkness.”

This statement captures Alexander’s relentless pursuit of fame and glory. He sought greatness and immortality through his military conquests and achievements, valuing a life marked by extraordinary achievements over a mundane existence.

3. “Nothing is impossible to him who tries.”

This quote embodies Alexander’s belief in the power of determination and will. He believed that with determination and perseverance one could overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal.

4. “An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by sheep.”

In this quote, Alexander emphasizes the importance of strong leadership to achieve success in battle. He understood that even an average army could achieve great victories if led by an experienced and courageous leader.

5. “I owe my father that I lived, but my teacher that I live well.”

This statement highlights the profound influence of Alexander’s teacher, the philosopher Aristotle. He credited Aristotle with teaching him not only how to live, but also how to live a virtuous and meaningful life.

6. “I have excelled others more in the knowledge of what is excellent than in the extent of my power and dominion.”

This quote shows Alexander’s appreciation of knowledge and intellectual pursuits. He valued wisdom and education because he understood that true greatness lay in the understanding of what is excellent rather than the mere accumulation of power.

7. “I am not afraid of an army of a hundred lions if they are led by a sheep. I am afraid of an army of a hundred thousand led by a lion.”

This variation of Alexander’s quote further emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in determining the success of an army. He believed that it was the strength and character of a leader that could transform an ordinary force into an invincible one.

8. “Remember, everyone’s behavior depends on everyone’s fate.”

This quote reveals Alexander’s belief that success on the battlefield depends on the collective efforts of each soldier. He understood the importance of unity and cooperation among his troops to achieve victory.

9. “Nothing is impossible to him who tries.”

By repeating his quote to emphasize its meaning, Alexander continually emphasized the power of determination and will, inspiring his soldiers to persevere in the face of challenges.

10. “I’m dying from the treatment of too many doctors.”

In his last days, Alexander made this ironic remark, reflecting his humor and self-awareness. Despite his extraordinary achievements, he recognized that even the most powerful rulers eventually succumb to the frailties of mortality.

Conclusion

Alexander the great quotes offer a glimpse into the mind of a visionary leader who had an insatiable thirst for conquest and a deep understanding of the human spirit. His unwavering ambition, leadership skills and belief in the power of determination continue to inspire and captivate people around the world, making him an enduring figure in history and a symbol of greatness.

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Hussain

My Goal is to effectively communicate, engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on my audience through your writing.