Alexander the Great

Macedonian conqueror

Ancient influential 61 sayings

Sayings by Alexander the Great

I send you a kaffis of mustard seed, that you may taste and acknowledge the bitterness of my victory.

c. 331 BCE — A message sent to Darius III, implying the overwhelming and bitter nature of his conquest.
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Are you not ashamed to make so great a display of wealth, and so much to excel your king in the costliness of your table?

c. 330 BCE — To a wealthy satrap, implying he was spending too much and outshining the king.
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I would rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and dominion.

c. 340 BCE — Reported by Plutarch, indicating his intellectual ambition.
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As for your mother, I will allow her to live in my house, and to enjoy all the honours due to a queen.

333 BCE — To Darius III's mother after her capture, a surprisingly generous offer in ancient warfare.
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Upon Darius's death, I will claim his wife as mine.

330 BCE — A reported intention after Darius's defeat, showing his claim to the Persian throne and possessions.
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By the gods, I swear, if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.

c. 335 BCE — To Diogenes the Cynic, expressing admiration for his radical independence.
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If I am to lose my life, I want to lose it in battle.

c. 330 BCE — Reported while facing dangers in battle.
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I am a man of my word.

c. 330 BCE — A general statement about his character, often used in negotiations or promises.
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I am dying with the help of too many physicians.

323 BCE — Reported as a dying remark, alluding to the ineffectiveness of his doctors.
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Let us conduct ourselves so that all men wish to be our friends and all fear to be our enemies.

c. 330 BCE — A statement on his approach to international relations and power.
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Through every hardship and every sacrifice, I will lead you to victory.

c. 330 BCE — To his troops, inspiring them before a difficult campaign.
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I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of losing my glory.

c. 330 BCE — Reported reflection on his motivations and fears.
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An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep.

c. 330 BCE — A variation of his leadership philosophy.
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I prefer a short life of glory to a long one of obscurity.

c. 330 BCE — A statement on his pursuit of fame and conquest.
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My mind is my own kingdom.

c. 330 BCE — A statement on intellectual independence, often attributed to him.
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I am not content with the small empire I inherited. I will conquer the world.

c. 336 BCE — A reported declaration of his vast ambitions.
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I came, I saw, I conquered.

c. 330 BCE — Often attributed to him, though more famously associated with Caesar. Its attribution to Alexander i…
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With the right attitude, self-imposed limitations vanish.

c. 330 BCE — A philosophical statement on mindset and potential.
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Every tomb is a monument to a life.

c. 330 BCE — A reflective statement on mortality and legacy.
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I am living in the land of my enemies, with their wives and children, and I am not afraid.

c. 330 BCE — Reported during his campaigns in Persia, showcasing his confidence.
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