I would rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity.
Alexander The GreatRead
Sex and sleep alone make me conscious that I am mortal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the fundamental experiences of life that remind us of our own mortality.
In this quote, Alexander the Great emphasizes that the basic human experiences of sex and sleep are vital and intimate reminders of our mortality. While these activities are part of everyday life, their significance lies in how they connect us to our existence and remind us that life is finite. The mention of mortality serves as a profound reflection on the nature of human experience and the inevitability of death.
Themes
MortalityLifeHuman ExperienceSexSleep
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the human condition, I quoted this line to illustrate the significance of basic human experiences.
More from Alexander The Great
All quotes βAre you still to learn that the end and perfection of our victories is to avoid the vices and infirmities of those whom we subdue?
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Now you fear punishment and beg for your lives, so I will let you free, if not for any other reason so that you can see the difference between a Greek king and a barbarian tyrant, so do not expect to suffer any harm from me. A king does not kill messengers.
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In the end, when it's over, all that matters is what you've done.
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But truly, if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.
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A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.
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What early tongue so sweet saluteth me?
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