“Alexander was a boy of incredible intellect. His favorite author was Homer. And he regularly slept with a copy of Homer’s poems at his bedside.”
— History Channel documentary
“Some of Alexander's strongest personality traits formed in
response to his parents. His mother had huge ambitions, and encouraged him to
believe it was his destiny to conquer the Persian Empire. Olympias'
influence instilled a sense of destiny in him, and Plutarch tells how his
ambition ‘kept his spirit serious and lofty in advance of his years.’ However,
his father Philip was Alexander's most immediate and influential role model, as
the young Alexander watched him campaign practically every year, winning
victory after victory while ignoring severe wounds. Alexander's relationship
with his father forged the competitive side of his personality; he had a need
to out-do his father, illustrated by his reckless behavior in battle…. While
Alexander worried that his father would leave him 'no great or brilliant
achievement to be displayed to the world,' he also downplayed his father's
achievements to his companions. According to Plutarch, among Alexander's traits
were a violent temper and rash, impulsive nature, which undoubtedly contributed
to some of his decisions. Although Alexander was stubborn and did not respond
well to orders from his father, he was open to reasoned debate. He had a calmer
side – perceptive, logical, and calculating. He had a great desire for knowledge,
a love for philosophy, and was an avid reader. This was no doubt in part due to
Aristotle's tutelage; Alexander was intelligent and quick to learn. His
intelligent and rational side was amply demonstrated by his ability and success
as a general. He had great self-restraint in 'pleasures of the
body,' in contrast with his lack of self-control with alcohol....
Alexander was erudite and patronized both arts and sciences. However, he
had little interest in sports or the Olympic games (unlike his
father), seeking only the Homeric ideals of honor and glory. He had great charisma and force of personality, characteristics which made
him a great leader. His unique abilities were further demonstrated by the
inability of any of his generals to unite Macedonia and retain the Empire after
his death – only Alexander had the ability to do so…. Aristotle taught
Alexander and his companions about medicine, philosophy, morals, religion,
logic, and art. Under Aristotle's tutelage, Alexander developed a passion for
the works of Homer, and in particular the Iliad; Aristotle gave him
an annotated copy, which Alexander later carried on his campaigns."
— Wikipedia
"Alexander earned the epithet 'the Great' due to his unparalleled success as a military commander. He never lost a battle, despite typically being outnumbered. This was due to his use of terrain, phalanx and cavalry tactics, bold strategy, and the fierce loyalty of his troops.... Alexander also recognized the potential for disunity among his diverse army, which employed various languages and weapons. He overcame this by being personally involved in battle.... He is often ranked among the most influential people in history."
"Alexander earned the epithet 'the Great' due to his unparalleled success as a military commander. He never lost a battle, despite typically being outnumbered. This was due to his use of terrain, phalanx and cavalry tactics, bold strategy, and the fierce loyalty of his troops.... Alexander also recognized the potential for disunity among his diverse army, which employed various languages and weapons. He overcame this by being personally involved in battle.... He is often ranked among the most influential people in history."
— Wikipedia
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