But truly, if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.
I send you a kaffis of mustard seed, that you may taste and acknowledge the bitterness of my victory.
A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.
Are you still to learn that the end and perfection of our victories is to avoid the vices and infirmities of those whom we subdue?
As for a limit to one’s labors, I, for one, do not recognize any for a high-minded man, except that the labors themselves should lead to noble accomplishments.
How great are the dangers I face to win a good name in Athens.
Shall I pass by and leave you lying there because of the expedition you led against Greece, or shall I set you up again because of your magnanimity and your virtues in other respects?
There is something noble in hearing myself spoken ill of, when I am doing well.
I foresee a great funeral contest over me.
I consider not what Parmenio should receive, but what Alexander should give.
At Achilles tomb, O fortunate youth, to have found Homer as the herald of your glory!
O Athenians, what toil do I undergo to please you!
When we give someone our time, we actually give a portion of our life that we will never take back.
My treasure lies in my friends .
Glory crowns the deeds of those who expose themselves to toils and dangers.
Each moment free from fear makes a man immortal.
If I could not be alexander I would be Diogenes.
For my part, I think that to a man of spirit there is no other aim and end of his labours except the labours themselves.
Remember, upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.” – Alexander the Great.
When my casket is being carried to the grave, leave my hands hanging outside. For empty-handed, I came into this world and empty-handed, I shall go! My whole life has been a hallow waste, a futile exercise, for no one at death can take anything with them!
When you bury my body, don’t build any momentum and keep my hands outside so that the world knows that the person who won the whole world had nothing in his hand while dying.