I wish that the Indians believed me a god, for upon the report of an enemy's valor oftentimes depends the success of a battle, and false reports have many times done as great things as true courage and resolution.
— Alexander the Great
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?
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.
I do not pilfer victory.
My father will anticipate everything. He will leave you and me no chance to do a great and brilliant deed.
Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.
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.
A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.
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.
Whatever possession we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.
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.
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.
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 I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.
I am dying from the treatment of too many physicians.
I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.
How should a man be capable of grooming his own horse, or of furbishing his own spear and helmet, if he allows himself to become unaccustomed to tending even his own person, which is his most treasured belonging?
Shall I, that have destroyed my Preservers, return home?
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.
Oh! Most miserable wretch that I am! Why have I not learnt how to swim?
For my own part, I would rather excel in knowledge of the highest secrets of philosophy than in arms.
I had rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and dominion.
How great are the dangers I face to win a good name in Athens.
Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters.
There is nothing impossible to him who will try.
