Alexander’s Story of Greatness: A Devotional to a Man of Many Wonders & Why He Was so Great-

Alexander of Macedonia is better known for his title, Alexander the Great.

He was one of the greatest conquerors, because of his far-reaching empire and brilliant military techniques. Through his conquest, Greek culture spread throughout his conquered territory and the Hellenistic Age was born. Along with the spread of Greek art and learning, Alexander also was able to finally eliminate the threat of Persia and quickly become an unstoppable force. His military prowess coupled with his cultural influence on the world are reasons enough why he is known as the greatest conqueror of all times and is deserving of the title, Alexander the Great.

Alexander the Great was the son of Philip II of Macedonia.

Philip II conquered Greece and had plans to continue his empire by overtaking the great power known as Persia. At the age of eighteen, Alexander took charge of the Companion Cavalry and aided his father, Philip II.  After Phillip was assassinated by one of his bodyguards, Alexander assumed his father’s throne in a timely, but ruthless manner. “Although few scholars think that Alexander was directly involved in the assassination, he wasted no time dispatching any possible rivals- even instructing his mother… to execute the infant son of Philip…” (Staff, 2004). Although Alexander went through ruthless measures to ensure his throne, his ability to think quickly and consolidate his power served him well throughout his reign.

Some people directly attribute his success to his father, Philip II.

While there are people who may say that Alexander the Great’s success was a mixture of luck and Philip’s hard work, it was Alexander’s intelligence, determination, and charisma that led to all of his achievements. Although Philip did unify and strengthen Greece which allowed for the possibility to invade and conquer Persia, it was solely Alexander who was able to keep Greece together and spread this empire further than his father before him had ever dreamed. Though Alexander did inherit a great “military machine” from King Philip II, Alexander must be credited for leading this machine to conquer many countries. Alexander was a tactical genius, showing his brilliance in military strategy through his many conquests. After fifteen years of conquest, Alexander never lost a battle. “From his first victory at age 18, Alexander gained a reputation of leading his men to battle with impressive speed, allowing smaller forces to reach and break… enemy lines before… foes were ready” (Barksdale, 2014). His triumph on the battlefield is reason enough to consider him one and possibly the greatest of history’s conquerors. Alexander gained the respect of the super powers of his day and from other influential countries, such as Egypt. Alexander used innovative techniques in his aggressive action in Persia and with the decimation of the city of Tyre. He constructed major military works to bring down the city’s walls using a bridge called the causeway and with siege towers which furthered his aggressive reputation (Grant, 2011). This reputation of military prowess led to many of his conquests to be achieved with no bloodshed. Because of the triumph, Alexander experienced in Persia the Egyptians accepted Alexander as ruler and made him their pharaoh. Their acceptance of Alexander was not just based on fear, but rather was based on respect for Alexander along with the Egyptians’ loathing of the Persians who had ruled them for a hundred years. This strong foundation built out of the acceptance from Egypt allowed Alexander to supply his growing empire with food such as grain because Egypt was the bread basket of the known world.

One of the many examples of his military genius is during his battle with Porus, Alexander had to cross the large river known as, Hydaspes.

This was a remarkable challenge because Alexander was unable to lead his men across the river safely because of monsoon season. The Hydaspes River had swollen; resulting in deeper waters. It was then when “Alexander… waged one of the most brilliant campaigns of deception in the history of ancient warfare” (Siggurdsson, 2012). After Alexander established a camp on the riverbank, he then set up most of his forces directly opposite to the main camp of king Porus. “For several days, Alexander used his cavalry forces to range along the Hydaspes, feinting a crossing at one point, making a demonstration at another” (Siggurdsson, 2012). This form of deception led Porus to grow accustomed to the routine marches and also to constant noise. Alexander had chosen to wait for the river to lower and by his strategic mind, Porus was unaware of this tactic. Finally, Alexander decided the time was right and began his assault. With the same use of deception as before, Alexander led a few thousand troops silently to a part of the riverbank where the water had lowered. After Alexander crossed the river, Porus was completely caught off guard and inevitably defeated. Though this was only one example of his brilliance, Alexander also is famously known for making the chariot obsolete during the Battle of Gaugamela, where he crushed Darius’s chariots with his light-armed soldiers (Battle of Gaugamela, n.d.). Alexander the Great proved in the battle against the Persian emperor that a battle is not solely won by its sheer size, but rather by innovation and brainpower. Moreover, Alexander triumphed in battle because of his sharp skills at easily adjusting to any situation.

Alexander was a charismatic leader because he embraced the cultures and countries he conquered.

There are a few examples of his insight and logic for gaining support from opposing peoples. When he conquered the Persians, out of respect for their culture, Alexander began to dress like the Persians. Alexander understood how to properly govern his empire, “[r]ealizing that the best way to maintain control of Persians was to act like one, Alexander began to wear the striped tunic…” (Barksdale, 2014). Not only did Alexander adopt cultural customs, but he also had honor on the battlefield which is displayed in his fight against Porus in the Battle of the Hydaspes River. Alexander had crushed Porus’s troops in a swift assault, but Alexander could not bring himself to kill Porus, because of the Indian king’s determination despite his failure to beat Alexander’s army. Not only did Alexander spare his life but also allowed Porus to continue ruling his kingdom in the Punjab. Rather than killing Porus and taking his kingdom, Alexander led his troops onward after a decisive win at the Battle of the Hydaspes River. These examples are a brief insight to the honorable and charismatic man known as, Alexander the Great.

Lastly, Alexander was not only a respected man but also a man of great intelligence.

Alexander was the pupil of the well-known philosopher, Aristotle; teaching Alexander the doctrines of morals and of politics. Aristotle taught Alexander the fundamentals of ethics that contributed to the Macedonian king’s success. “The philosopher imbued his young pupil with a love of Greek art and poetry and instilled in him a lasting interest in philosophy and science” (Bowra, 1965, p. 158). Aristotle’s teachings contributed to Alexander’s campaign by Aristotle’s lessons in logic and critical thinking; leading to the ability to adapt and overcome any challenge. “[a]though his life and talents were mainly devoted to warfare, he handled the political problems created by his military conquests with brilliant originality” (Bowra, 1965).  Moreover, this ability allowed Alexander to create brilliant tactics and achieve victory while using them not only in combat but also in how he ruled his empire.

Alexander was a great conqueror, but, more importantly, an incredible man.

Though some may question whether he was deserving enough for his title, there is no dispute concerning his achievements and influence. Just like any other human, Alexander was prone to faults and flaws, his temper being one of them. Does this really make him undeserving when he proved just how great he really was? Aside from his tactical know-how and the ability to govern an entire empire, Alexander was a man who achieved much more than mere conquest through battles. “His life immediately flew into legend, but the reality was more impressive. Alexander lived his life on his own terms, fixed on a heroic ideal of “warfare and a man at war” and dragged the world in his train” (Tsouras, 2004, pp. 106, 107). Alexander created a new Greek world and gave many countries a chance to prosper. After Alexander’s death, one of his generals, Ptolemy, took over Egypt and refurbished the Egyptian culture; allowing them to rise with new power and glory. This is just one of the lasting impacts to transpire during Alexander’s short life. If it had not been for Alexander’s influence and conquest, much of what we know as great ancient innovation would not be prevalent. It is because of Alexander that Greek culture flourished throughout much of the known world, and Alexander’s military tactics contributed to the evolution of strategic warfare.

Do you agree with this estimate on why Alexander the Great was indeed, so great? 

Do you have any interesting facts to add to our devotional to one of the greatest conquerors of all times?

As always, we love feedback! Let us know what you think of Alexander and his many accomplishments as the leader of ancient Greece.

Get out there, get active!

 

 

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References

Barksdale, N. (2014, May 13). 8 Surprising Facts about Alexander the Great. Retrieved February  03, 2018, from http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/eight-surprising-facts-about-alexander-the-great

Battle of Gaugamela | 331 BC. (n.d.). Retrieved February 03, 2018, from http://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Gaugamela

Bowra, C. M. (1965). Classical Greece (1975 ed., Great Ages of Man). New York, NY: Time.

Grant. (2011, August 08). Alexander’s Siege of Tyre, 332 BC. Retrieved February 03, 2018, from            http://www.ancient.eu/article/107/

Siggurdsson. (2012, May 03). Battle of the Hydaspes River: Alexander the Great Defeats Indian  King Porus. Retrieved February 02, 2018, from http://www.burnpit.us/2012/05/battle          hydaspes-river-alexander-great-defeats-indian-king-porus

Staff, B. L. (2004, December 10). Top 10 Reasons Alexander the Great Was, Well … Great! Retrieved April 07, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/11315-top-10-reasons      alexander-great-great.html

Tsouras, P. G. (2004). Alexander: Invincible king of Macedonia (1st ed.). Washington, D.C.: Brassey’s.

Media

Gathered from: Pexels

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An Inspirational: Misunderstanding the Word Perfect

Being hard on yourself is normal, but it is not natural. Knowing why perfection is overrated could completely alter your life and the way you think about yourself.

Our triumphs and success are measured heavily by the people we interact with. Why is that when others around us are feeling the exact same doubt? Though this is a prevalent thing, triumphs leading to succession are not often achieved without failure, hard work, and imagination. Sometimes under the crippling weight of self-doubt and anxiety, people like myself get caught up in perfection. That is where I have always been wrong.

Perfection is not seen in the natural world, but rather the flaws within nature which make it truly unique. I am talking about the importance of knowing and being able to appreciate the perfection in your own uniqueness. We are not made to be the same, just as every leaf, animal, grain of sand and drop of water is unique. Though we share similarities, the differences are what help to establish our purposes, strengths, and passion. I have struggled with self-doubt, fear, anxiety, and depression. It has caused me to obsess with perfection and being one hundred percent.

Being a hard worker who puts in all their effort is great. Obsessing over perfection however it is also incredibly self-destructive. This is because perfection means that there is always something you could have done better. We are unique in so many ways (e.g., features, appearances, accents, voice, emotions, and mentality). Perfection can be found within many factory objects, but perfection can be found within the unique characteristics found within individuals.

 Firstly,

We are who we are because of the unique decisions we make. Our very thoughts and emotions are different because we see diversely. Our eyes see the uniqueness within each other. Why is it important for us to have flaws? Flaws are what shape us, make us grow, and give us motivation to love the ourselves.

This is because from our hard work to love the person we are becoming, we can also use hard work to fix the obvious bad choices for who we are as a person. Seeing the differences and changes we have made are huge successes, because change is difficult. But because we reward ourselves for our valiant efforts, we remember that we are humans and we make mistakes.

Mistakes are not what makes us, but what help us define who we are. By figuring out what unique traits we have (e.g., the way we perceive objects and relativity) we can be sure that success will follow. Success is not measured by perfection, but the effort that was put in. That is why our uniqueness is extremely important! With these differences our ever-changing world can be caught up to with the many people living in this world. We can fill in the gaps that need a person just like you or me by embellishing the people we are. The fear to fit in deprives us of our actual success because we worry ourselves so much so that we end up freezing when given opportunity. It is not fear that should dictate our success, nor our perfection obsessing minds. For fear to affect us, we must be in self-doubt ourselves.

In conclusion,

It is our ability of diversity that allows the world to grow, flourish, and be a better place as we begin to understand the beauty of perfection within the acceptance of our differences. Through hard work and knowledge our efforts, knowing the beauty in seeing the bigger picture will create real success. I obsess over the smallest thing, and it is usually because it is not perfect. Whether it is because it is not straight or how I perceived it in my head, I try to remember that doing my best is better than constant disappointment over the fact I did not achieve one hundred percent. We should not dehumanize effort, as mistakes are made and all fear does is hold you back from real growth.

Success is within you. Finding it may take time, but the moments you grow from understanding your abilities, strengths, weakness, and traits, fear becomes a feeling you let inspire you.

 

A Calm Remix To Listen To While Reading

 

Issues in Society Through Poetry’s Pages: Interpretation of Two Poems By- Robert Frost & Taylor Mali-

            Throughout history poetry has addressed issues within a society, whether they are about tolerance, like Walt Whitman’s, Leaves of Grass or critiques on the “establishment”, like Sir Walter Raleigh’s, The Lie. In both Taylor Mali’s poem, Like Totally Whatever, You Know? and Robert Frost’s, Mending Wall the poets speak to issues that are pertinent to society. Even though the subject matter and style of the two poems differ, both poems use language and rhythm to highlight their perspectives.

In Like Totally Whatever, You Know? the central issue addressed concerns the lack of authority and conviction that the poet sees in the younger generation. The structure of the poem uses humor and slang to mock the uncertainty and apathy of today’s youth. Mali asks, “Has society become so, like, totally… I mean absolutely… you know? That we’ve just gotten to the point where it’s just like… whatever!” (Mali, p. 412). The poem argues that many people rather do what is cool than formulate an individual opinion. Mali’s claim is that people are apathetic and in turn uncertain; wanting to fit in with what is hip. In the first stanza the question is asked, “… it has somehow become uncool to sound like you know what you’re talking about?” (Mali, p. 412). The first three stanzas continue with every sentence ending as a question, which emphasizes his satirical strategy of showing the absurdity of going through life in such an ambiguous fashion. Finally, Mali turns his satirical questions into challenging declarations he concludes with the plea, “I entreat you, I implore you, I exhort you, I challenge you: To say what you believe in a manner that bespeaks the determination with which you believe it” (Mali, p. 412). This shift in tone becomes a powerful tool as it encourages people to find their voice. No longer is there any question instead Mali declares, “It is not enough these days to simply QUESTION AUTHORITY. You have to speak with it, too!!” (Mali, p. 412). The rhythm of the poem shifting from uncertain questioning to emphatic declarations deftly articulate Mali’s premise that young people need to find their voice. The importance of opinion and authority in both our speech and declarations lie within the simple fact of knowledge, which is power. Authority is an action that defines the strength in which one believes in and that has been something that has driven society from early on. The idea of being uncertain and opinionated shows a lack of knowledge being used because it shows the limitations people put on themselves; never utilizing the strength and determination it takes to speak with conviction. This is just one reason why opinions matter and the importance of certainty in what we believe. In agreement with Taylor Mali, it is also important to appreciate certainty because the audience Mali is addressing often wander through life apathetic to concrete beliefs with an idea that having an opinion is uncool.

            Along with Taylor Mali, Robert Frost addresses an important issue in human relationships and society, trust. Through the poem, Mending Wall, Frost focusses on barriers between people. The subject of trust in his poem concerns two different perspectives between the speaker and his neighbor. Though the speaker sees no need for the wall, the neighbor believes that, “ ‘ Good fences make good neighbors ’ “ (Frost, p. 414). These conflicting perspectives represent the emotional and physical division in the poem between the speaker and his neighbor. Not only does the wall act as a divider of property, but also as a barrier to friendship and communication. Robert Frost addresses the sense of safety people acquire from building these barriers by saying, “He will not go behind his father’s saying, And he likes having thought of it so well… “ ‘ Good fences make good neighbors ’ ” (Frost, p. 414). Not only is the neighbor stubborn in keeping the wall, the speaker also shows his inability to trust by saying, “If I could put a notion in his head, ‘ Why do they make good neighbors? ’ ” (Frost, p. 414). This shows the speakers frustration with the wall while also projecting a negative image of his neighbor. As the speaker constantly addresses the issue as the wall, the neighbor refers to it as the fence showing the difference in perspectives. It is showing that their relationship is not being repaired, rather it is being damaged. Robert Frost intentionally plays on the words wall and fence when he says, “Before I built a wall I’d ask to know what I was walling in or walling out, And to whom I was like to give offence” (Frost, p. 414). “Mending fences” is an expression that means to repair something while a wall acts as a barrier. The speaker changes his attitude and finds offense to the “fence”. The poem ends with no resolve, only the overwhelming feeling of disdain for the wall and now the neighbor. This unresolved issue emphasizes the disrepair of the relationship, concluding with the reality of both emotional and physical barriers. These barriers only result in a lack of trust; thus, leading to no verdict. While progression is positive in some circumstances the speaker could be viewed as wrong, because the speaker is pushing his new ideas as if they are the only right view. The neighbor is content with the idea of a fence. The poem alludes to the difficulty society has with trust and change. Frost’s poem helps show that even though new ways are not always bad a little trust can only be had when emotional and physical barriers are gone. That is what makes a good neighbor, not the wall that divides them.

            Poems often bring up issues that need to be addressed through satire like in Taylor Mali’s poem, or they can present these issues creatively like Robert Frost in Mending Wall. Both Taylor Mali and Robert Frost show similarities in their poems, while also sharing major differences. Mali and Frost both address issues based on value: the value of how we speak and how we trust. They also leave questions at the end of their poems on whether we can properly declare our own opinions or if the wall is obsolete. These similarities show the importance of poetry when addressing issues in culture and society because they leave the audience questioning how in depth the issue goes. They also contrast in their writing style, how they address the issue as a whole, and the topic itself.  Taylor Mali addresses his topic with a mocking satirical tone while Robert Frost uses descriptive and create forms of writing to capture his audience. Mali concludes the issue by challenging the reader to formulate an opinion, whereas Frost leaves the issue unresolved. Lastly, Mali’s writes about a lack of authority and articulation while Robert Frost writes about the issue of trust and barriers. Both poems share common ground but also use different rhetoric styles with differing topics and choice of perspective. Even though Mali and Frost were born in different times and radically different situations, through the use of poetry they were able to articulate their opinions, worries, and transpiring issues.

Have your own interpretation? 

Do you have a favorite?

Taylor Mali: Totally like whatever, you know?

Robert Frost: Mending Wall

 

 

 

Works Cited

Frost, R. (2015). Mending Wall. In N. V. Wood & J. S. Miller (Authors), Perspectives on Argument (8th ed., pp. 413-414). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

Mali, T. (2015). Totally Like Whatever, You know? In N. V. Wood & J. S. Miller (Authors),       Perspectives on Argument (8th ed., p. 412). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

 

Top 10 Fun Things to do During Winter

Sometimes during the winter we find ourselves lost on what activities we can do because of the cold, or because our favorite pastime is all closed up until summer. How can you keep yourself sane during the harsh winter months? Here is the top 10 things you can do to enjoy the most out of the bitter wind chill that greets you when you open your front door.

10. Reading a favorite childhood book:

Though you may wonder how this will entertain you, there is an easy and simple answer. Nostalgia. This powerful and complex noun makes one long for something that warms their heart. What a perfect activity to thaw the ice that surrounds our own.

So, if you are wondering what to do.. Why not open Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt and relax to memories of when things were simpler.

Pat the Bunny

09. Simple Comforts

What are these simple comforts? Well one of the big ones is food. On a chilly day like today food is a perfect addition when reading any book!

Settle yourself down in a cozy place after making a grilled cheese sandwich and some hot tomato soup. Both filling and delicious, this meal brings us back to a time when decadency was not a must, but rather being full and having a hearty meal got us through waiting for spring’s first emergence through the snow.Best Grilled Cheese

08. Warm While in Nature

One activity that is relaxing and therapeutic is grabbing a blanket and sitting in front of your outdoor fire pit. Cozying up next to the fire with a friend or partner makes enjoying the winter much better. Especially since you can still go outside!

Enjoying nature during winter is hard when you are constantly battling freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow. In that case this is a perfect way to spend it and still get your zen time.

Of course we need to make sure we are using all the safety precautions and that the locations allow for open fires. Make sure about fire pit regulations here, HGTV Fire Pit & Fire Pit Safety

07. Spa Time

That’s right, it is time to use the cold as an excuse to pamper yourself. That means bubble bath time! Though it is a stretch as an activity, a nice warm bubble bath can be complete with a few items.

1. Bath Bomb
2. Bath Soak
3. Candles
4. Cleansing Soaps
5. Enya, Lots of Enya (yes, music is vital. Enya is life)

06. Old Age Communication

Whether it is writing your thoughts down or writing to a friend, making handmade notes is soothing and nostalgic in its own way.

This is because not so long ago it seems we used to send letters and it was fun to get them. Now all that floods our mailboxes are bills and food flyers; delivering the daily deals at grocery stores near you. What a bore.

So write a letter, a book, or in your diary. Make some creative magic happen. Maybe it will help you with those paralleling thoughts that are often focused on during the cold winter months. 

05. Plan a Trip

During this time you can dream up all the places you would like to travel to. In your time wondering what to do why not plan an adventure? It can include friends, family, or just a trip for your own self discovery and will give you a new goal to work for!

Fun ways to decide where to go is by spinning a globe and the first place you put your finger is your destination. Of course if you land in the ocean you might not want to take that too literal.

However, another way to plan is by doing some research on areas that are influenced by stuff that you enjoy seeing or doing.

04. Watch Local Sports

Why not encourage the cold by going to a local hockey game? Still keeping warm, one is able to enjoy all the spoils of sports. The fun atmosphere and the food..

Invite your friends to come along and make a theme of cheering on your local team!

It will get you out of the house and the cold, while still supplying you with fun and excitement.

03. Volunteer

There is an array of organizations, businesses, and foundations that are in constant need of hands. A great way to spend your time this winter is by helping out at local shelters, soup kitchens, churches, and places like humane societies.

Look for local volunteer options. It will not only benefit others but it will also help your future. You can change someone else’s life simply by assisting those in need.

Example of Benefit: College Transcripts, Job Advancement, or just for the sake of good will.

02. Get Ready to Go Outside

Hiking is another option, but get ready to bundle up if you do not have really nice thermal apparel. Sometimes we can not have it all. Who needs fancy thermals when bundling up is cozy?

Pack your coffee in a thermos and a few hearty snakes and be on your way!

Where to go to hike? Any local trail will be a much different hike in winter. That is because your body burns up more calories in the cold and it has to work so much harder. Not only will you still be active and happy, but you will also be relieved to not be stuck inside.

Make it a party hike and bring comfy blankets and some books or poetry to share. Makes for an amazing place for picture taking and memory sharing! 

01. The Final Activity

 

Explore your local activities. In most cases, local parks and recreations will have stuff to do for the season. You can find this information online and in your local parks and recreation catalog, which are in libraries, town halls, and other businesses that have local news and sources flyers.

These activities include but are not limited to: festivals, events, group activities, sports, and other facilities that can offer fun during winter.

Some examples that are in my location would be bird watching, group hiking, book clubs, adult formals, and community center functions. Of course there is so much more, but the best way to find something to do when it is cold outside is to see what your city has planned.

They normally will have prescribed functions to attract locals and tourist so that there is something to do in the hibernating period of the new year.

Thanks for reading the Top 10 Fun Things to do During Winter. Hopefully you found some activities that suit your definition of fun and in the meantime, share this article to help bring awareness to some interesting things to do during winter.

Because we know we need something to do other then post pictures of lame mirror shots at home on social media.

Get out there. Get active!

-My Culture Coffi