Without a master, there will be no blaster in your life. The same goes for great minds, even for Alexander. today we will discuss about Aristotle’s Influence on Alexander, Differences in Ideals of Aristotle and Alexander, Alexander’s Ambitions and Actions.
Introduction
Aristotle and Alexander the Great are two of the most renowned figures in history.
One is celebrated as a great philosopher, the other as a great conqueror. Many may not know they were one of the greatest pairs of Mentors and Mentees—the same pair we can witness in Chanakya and Chandragupta.
Aristotle, a philosopher from ancient Greece, tutored the young prince Alexander, later known as Alexander the Great.
This article explores their relationship and how their ideas and actions shaped history.
Early Relationship of Aristotle and Alexander
When Alexander was thirteen, his father, King Philip II of Macedon, hired Aristotle to tutor him.
Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers of his time, and he taught Alexander a wide range of subjects, including ethics, politics, science, and philosophy. It was an exceptional education for that era because Aristotle was also interested in educational reformation, just like his teacher Plato believed.
Aristotle introduced Alexander to Homer’s epic, the Iliad.
This book became a great source of inspiration for Alexander.
He admired the hero Achilles and aspired to be like him. His mother introduced Achillies to Alexander at first, but the extensive storyline of Achillies came to his life when he read the Iliad.
Aristotle also taught Alexander to think critically and observe the world around him. This training helped Alexander develop a keen mind and a strategic approach to leadership.
Aristotle’s Influence on Alexander
Aristotle’s influence on Alexander was profound.
He encouraged Alexander to be curious and to learn from the world around him.
This curiosity led Alexander to explore new territories and cultures during his conquests. Learning new battle styles, adapting new strategies, and many more things. Curiosity can give birth to many things.
Alexander carried a copy of the Iliad on his campaigns, which he kept beside his bed. The stories of heroism and bravery inspired him to achieve great things.
Aristotle also taught Alexander about governance and leadership. He believed that a good leader should be wise and virtuous. Aristotle’s idea of a philosopher king was a ruler guided by reason and virtue. Alexander took these lessons to heart, but he also had his ideas about leadership.
Differences in Ideals of Aristotle and Alexander
Despite Aristotle’s teachings, Alexander’s actions often diverged from his mentor’s ideals. Aristotle believed in ruling through reason and virtue.
He thought that the best leaders were those who could govern wisely and justly. In contrast, Alexander was driven by passion and ambition.
He sought to conquer new lands and expand his empire, often using force and violence to achieve his goals.
One of the key differences between them was their view on the integration of cultures. Aristotle was a proponent of Greek superiority and believed that Greek culture was the best. He thought that non-Greeks, whom he considered barbarians, were inferior.
Alexander, however, had a more inclusive approach. He married a Persian princess and adopted some Persian customs. This approach helped him gain the loyalty of the people he conquered, but it also led to tensions with his Greek and Macedonian followers.
After all, Alexander was a king, and he needed to think something beyond his ideologies just to administer his territories.
Alexander’s Ambitions and Actions
Alexander’s ambition knew no bounds. He wanted to conquer the known world and become a god-like figure. His mother, Olympias, encouraged these beliefs, telling him he was descended from the gods.
Alexander’s conquests took him from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and India. He founded many cities and spread Greek culture and influence along the way.
Alexander’s actions often reflected his practical wisdom.
He was a brilliant military strategist and a fearless leader. He led his troops into battle and was known for his bravery. However, his desire for glory sometimes led him to make reckless decisions.
He did his biggest folly of life by doing a campaign in India, which was costly and difficult; ultimately, losing many men made him frustrated and demotivated.
Despite these challenges, Alexander’s achievements were remarkable.
He created one of the largest empires in history and left a lasting legacy. His conquests helped spread Greek culture and ideas across the world, a period known as the Hellenistic Age.
also read our blogs on different aspects of alexander
