<< Previous

GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

My late father had accomplished so much that he set the bar considerably high for me. He not only manifested military might, but also demonstrated diplomatic deeds that were considerable at the time.

He lay the foundation to the empire that would help me go on to conquer the world, as we knew it. He built the military that would only be surpassed when Romans developed the legion, a supposedly superior infantry formation with an alternative arsenal.

Make no mistake about it: I loved my father, respected what he accomplished and recognized how instrumental he was to my success.

But upon seizing the throne, I had no choice but to downplay all of this to strengthen my hand and to boost others’ confidence in me.

This was key for I was merely twenty years old. Sitting there in awe of my father would have given the sign that I would be a weak leader, one inept to keep the Greek Confederation together, let alone overtake the mighty Persian Empire.

I learned a valuable lesson on the fly: respect those who pave the way for you and credit them accordingly, but know where to draw the line for too much emulation only undermines your own accomplishments.

I was King on my own merit.

Continue >>