With ambitions as a rider, Alexander the Great conquered more than his known world. He acquired more wealth and power than any man in Europe or Asia Minor. Having studied under Aristotle, Alexander thirsted for knowledge and wisdom to accompany his physical strength and military superiority. During a break from conquering, Alexander decided to meet Diogenes, the notorious cynic philosopher. Alexander sent a servant and carriage to invite Diogenes for a talk.
Diogenes refused Alexander’s invitation. Rumors and speculation spread. Everyone in Alexander’s Kingdom, even Diogenes, knew of Alexander’s dispute with Cleitus the Black. Cleitus, a friend and general of Alexander’s, refused command over a second rate army and criticized Alexander for adopting Persian customs. The quarrel ended with Alexander throwing a javelin through Cleitus’ heart. When Alexander received the news, he mounted Bucephalus, his famed horse, and rode to Diogenes. A great crowd gathered to witness the altercation between the two great men. Many in the crowd expected Diogenes would suffer a similar fate as Cleitus.
Diogenes laid on the ground sunbathing. He wore rags. His last possession, a worn cup, he discarded after observing a child drinking water with her hands.
Alexander arrived and dismounted Bucephalus. The young, robust king stood over the old, feeble ascetic. Alexander was prepared to expose the cynic.
“Be joyful Master," Alexander said. Diogenes nodded politely.
"I wish to show a sign of my respect," Alexander continued, "I offer you anything you desire.”
“Anything?” Diogenes said.
“Anything you desire. I will have my servants deliver it promptly.”
“I have one desire.”
“Yes sir?”
“One thing you could do.”
Alexander nodded.
“Could you step to the side? You’re blocking the sunlight.”
The crowd burst, followed by immediate silence. The spectators awaited Alexander’s response. Alexander towered over Diogenes. Alexander’s plan to test the old cynic appeared to backfired. Instead, Diogenes put Alexander to the test. All Alexander’s wealth and power, the fruits of his intellect and ambition, amounted to nothing in this exchange. The weak, wise man possessing nothing possessed everything.
Alexander smiled and stepped aside. He said, “Were I not Alexander, I would wish to be Diogenes.”
“Were I not Diogenes, I would wish to be Alexander.”
The crowd was in awe. They admired each man’s ambition: one to achieve all his desires, and the other to desire nothing.
The men exchanged the proper pleasantries. As Alexander mounted Bucephalus, Diogenes called out, “For what do you desire?”
“To conquer all of Greece.”
“And then what?”
“To conquer Asia Minor.”
“And then what?”
“To conquer the world.”
“And then what?”
“And then... And then I would like to relax and sunbathe.”
The crowd erupted with laughter.
“Perhaps it might be easier to relax and sunbathe now.”
Both men returned to their ambitions. Alexander conquered and established one of the largest empires of ancient or modern history. Diogenes established a school of philosophy for living in virtue with nature.
The witnesses never forgot the day Alexander the Great met Diogenes. Later generations bragged about knowing someone present. Everyone who knew the story, remembered it with their own sway, recalling Alexander or Diogenes with more wit or wisdom, glorifying either the pursuit of wealth and power, or glorifying the denunciation of possessions and titles.
Both men were, in the words of Homer, “Ever to be best and stand far above all others.”
The End
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