Western Civ. 1-40: Alexander the Great: How Great?

 3. What, in Plutarch's opinion, makes a "great man"? Is Alexander great?

    What makes a "great man"? According to Plutarch, the Greek biographer and philosopher, greatness comes from the combination of natural ability and education. Plutarch believed that great men are born with innate talents and characteristics, such as courage, intelligence, and ambition, but that these traits must also be cultivated through education and training. Plutarch's views on greatness are best exemplified in his biography of Alexander the Great, who he considered to be one of the greatest men in history. This essay explores Plutarch's ideas on what makes a great man, and examines how he applied these ideas to his portrayal of Alexander the Great.

    Plutarch believed that a great man must possess certain innate qualities, such as courage and intelligence, which set him apart from ordinary people. He argued that these qualities were not enough on their own, however, and that great men must also have a strong desire to achieve greatness and the ability to act on that desire. Alexander the Great exemplified these traits, as he was known for his fearlessness in battle and his strategic genius on the battlefield. Indeed, He was said to be driven by a grand worldview of noble revenge and the diffusion of Greek culture throughout the world. Like his father, he dreamed of unifying the Greeks and conquering the Persians, a desire he made manifest. But it was his courage and intelligence which allowed him to carry on some 50 campaigns over more than a decade without loosing a single battle.

    In addition to natural ability, Plutarch believed that education and training were essential for cultivating greatness. He argued that great men must be well-rounded and have knowledge in a variety of fields, including philosophy, politics, and the arts. Alexander the Great was a product of his education, tutored by Aristotle and exposed to a wide range of ideas and cultural influences. This education contributed to his ability to pacify a vast empire and foster cultural exchange between different peoples. He took on foreign customs, first of his Greek neighbors, then the Egyptians and Persians. Eventually, he and his men even took Persian wives. Eventually though, practices such as forcing his men to bow alienated them from his cause.

    Another important characteristic of a great man, according to Plutarch, is the ability to make difficult decisions and take risks. He believed that great men must be willing to take bold actions in order to achieve their goals, even if those actions are unpopular or risky. Alexander the Great demonstrated this quality in his decision to pursue an aggressive military campaign that ultimately resulted in the conquest of much of the known world. It seemed he wasn't afraid of death, battle, or much of anything really. It is said that he wanted to conquer all the way to the 'distant waters' of the pacific ocean. Apparently his men didn't share his drive, as they mutinied at the Hyphasis river in 326 BC.

    In conclusion, Plutarch's views on what makes a great man are exemplified in his biography of Alexander the Great. According to Plutarch, a great man must possess innate qualities, such as courage and intelligence, but must also receive a well-rounded education and be willing to take risks in order to achieve greatness. Alexander the Great embodied all of these qualities, making him one of the most celebrated figures in history. By examining Plutarch's ideas on greatness and their application to Alexander, we gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a truly great individual.