To What Extent Was Alexander The Measure Of Greatness

“Your greatness is measured by your kindness,” - William J. H. Boetcker. Greatness is not something that can be measured, it is only an abstract term. It cannot even be determined by the number of people who follow you, Hitler had over 4 million and he was far from great, while some genuinely great people achieve it all on their own. However in its abstractness, greatness is only a mix of discipline, integrity, and care for others. But there is one person, who has been called “great” since ancient times. Yet Alexander was not great. He wanted people to think that he was generous, so he made a show of giving up a small part of what he had, he was shifty and second-handed to the people who were less powerful than he, and he promoted cruelty to animals, even the species of his best friend. …show more content…
But instead of reviving their parched tongues, the Macedonians gifted it to their king in a soldier’s helmet. Then Alexander pours it out, attempting to look humble. This is confirmed in the article “The Legend of the Water Helmet”, “Alexander thanked the soldier for his kindness, and then, in full view of his army, poured the water out into the hot sand.” Believers of Alexander's “greatness” will argue that he was showing that he deserved no more than his army. Well first of all, then he is a hypocrite, he is a king. He has a much cushier life than any of his soldiers. Also, there were other options besides dumping it. One would be to give it to the sick soldiers (there would almost definitely be some), give it to the oldest, best, most honorable soldier as a thank you, or give it back to the ones who found the puddle, as a prize for their