PERSPECTIVES ON POWER
Alexander the Great sent his officers to the leader of a group of famous wise men one day with a message that “The Great King of Macedonia wishes to speak to you.” “But I,” replied the philosopher, “do not wish to speak to the Great King of Macedonia.” “Do you dare thus insult the son of Zeus?” “Tell Alexander that he is no more the son of Zeus than I am. Or tell him rather that both of us are the sons of Zeus, as are all men who are born into this world.” Whereupon Alexander’s messenger resorted to bribes and threats. But the philosopher remained imperturbable. “Alexander can neither cheer me nor scare me. There is nothing I wish to gain, for I have already my philosophy; and there is nothing I fear to lose, for in taking my life, Alexander will but release a precious soul from a worthless body.” “I shall advise Alexander,” said the messenger haughtily, “to…
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