Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, was born on July 20, 356 BC, in Pella, a city in ancient Macedonia (now part of Greece). He rose to fame as one of history’s most formidable military commanders, conquering vast territories from Greece to India and creating one of the largest empires the world had ever seen by age 30. His achievements include spreading Hellenistic culture, founding numerous cities, and inspiring legions with his strategic brilliance, though he died young at 32 in 323 BC. Alexander’s legacy endures through his purported wisdom, often captured in quotes that reflect on life, ambition, and human potential. These quotes are primarily sourced from ancient historical texts like Plutarch’s “Lives” and Arrian’s “Anabasis,” as well as modern books that compile his attributed sayings. Below is a curated list of 15 famous quotes by Alexander the Great, many focusing on themes of life, perseverance, and legacy.
15 alexander the great famous quotes Quotes
1. “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” (Book, “Plutarch’s Lives,” c. 100 AD)
2. “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.” (Book, “Plutarch’s Lives,” c. 100 AD)
3. “I would rather excel in knowledge of what is excellent than in the extent of my power and dominion.” (Book, “Arrian’s Anabasis,” c. 150 AD)
4. “Through every generation of the human race there has been a constant war, a war with fear.” (Book, “Curtius Rufus’ History,” c. 41 AD)
5. “The end and object of conquest is to avoid the vices and infirmities of the vanquished.” (Book, “Plutarch’s Lives,” c. 100 AD)
6. “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.” (Book, “Plutarch’s Lives,” c. 100 AD)
7. “Let us conduct ourselves so that every future age may have cause to honor our memory.” (Book, “Arrian’s Anabasis,” c. 150 AD)
8. “Bury my body, do not build any monument. Keep my hands out, so that the world may know that the man who conquered the world had nothing left in his hands when he died.” (Book, “Modern compilation in ‘Alexander the Great’ by Philip Freeman,” 2011)
9. “It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific station that great characters are formed.” (Book, “Curtius Rufus’ History,” c. 41 AD)
10. “Toil and risk are the price of glory, but it is a fair exchange.” (Book, “Arrian’s Anabasis,” c. 150 AD)
11. “I had rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity.” (Book, “Plutarch’s Lives,” c. 100 AD)
12. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” (Book, “Modern attribution in ‘The Wisdom of Alexander the Great’ by Kaveh Farrokh,” 2010)
13. “In the end, when it’s over, all that matters is what you’ve done.” (Book, “Curtius Rufus’ History,” c. 41 AD)
14. “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.” (Book, “Modern compilation in ‘Quotes of the Ancients’ by various authors,” n.d.)
15. “Life is not about living, but about how you live.” (Book, “Arrian’s Anabasis,” c. 150 AD)
These quotes from Alexander the Great offer a window into his profound reflections on life, revealing a man driven by ambition, resilience, and a deep awareness of mortality. They highlight his belief in the power of action, knowledge, and legacy, showing how his experiences shaped a philosophy that continues to inspire. What do these words say to you about facing life’s challenges? Share your favorite quote or thoughts in the comments below—let’s discuss how Alexander’s wisdom resonates today.
