ANCIENT EGYPT SERIES NOVEL

Who Is a Wise Man? Who Is a Strong Man? Who Is a Rich Man?

Chances are that if you learned about Alexander at school, you also learned about philosophy. That connection is hardly surprising. Alexander studied under Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers in history.

As Alexander’s empire expanded, stories emerged about his encounters with wise men in the lands he conquered. Some of these traditions became legendary. Whether they are entirely true is difficult to say, but many people have believed them for centuries.

Alexander and Shimon HaTzaddik

One of the most fascinating accounts centres on Alexander’s visit to Jerusalem. According to tradition, he met the High Priest Shimon HaTzaddik and immediately bowed before him.

When his astonished companions asked why he had shown such respect, Alexander explained that he recognised the priest from a dream. In that dream, Shimon HaTzaddik had appeared to him before battle and foretold his victory. If the story is true, it certainly offered a powerful reason for Alexander’s display of reverence.

The Sages of Negev

Another famous story describes Alexander’s meeting with the sages of Negev. The Gemara records a series of questions that he put to these wise men.

Among them were three questions designed to test their judgement. Who should be called wise? Who should be called strong? Who should be called wealthy?

Perhaps Alexander expected the sages to describe qualities that reflected his own achievements. Instead, they gave answers that challenged his assumptions.

In their view, a wise man is one who learns from everyone. A strong man is one who conquers the evil within himself. A wealthy man is one who is content with what he already possesses.

The replies were not what the young conqueror wanted to hear.

According to the story, Alexander reacted with anger and threatened to execute the sages. Yet his mood changed as quickly as it had flared. Rather than punish them, he presented them with purple robes and gold necklaces as rewards.

Whether this event actually occurred remains uncertain. What makes the tale interesting is the way it reflects Alexander’s character. Ancient sources often portray him as a man of extremes, capable of sudden fury but equally capable of remarkable generosity.

Alexander and Diogenes

Philosophers appeared throughout Alexander’s life. Aristotle, of course, was his most famous teacher, but tradition also links him with Diogenes of Sinope.

Diogenes had gained a reputation for rejecting wealth, social conventions and material comforts. Many stories surrounded him. One claimed that he carried a lamp through the streets in broad daylight while searching for an honest man. Another maintained that he lived in a large ceramic jar.

When Alexander met Diogenes in Corinth, the king asked whether there was anything he could do for him.

Diogenes offered a simple reply.

“Yes. Move a little to one side. You are blocking my sunlight.”

The philosopher’s independence impressed Alexander. According to the famous account, the Macedonian king remarked:

“If I were not Alexander, I would wish to be Diogenes.”

A Man of Legends

Philosophy runs through many of the stories told about Alexander the Great. His association with Aristotle, the sages of Negev and Diogenes helped shape his reputation long after his death.

Some of these accounts may be historical. Others may belong more to the world of legend. Yet together they present a fascinating image of a conqueror who sought not only new lands, but also encounters with wisdom wherever he found it.

Above: Desert dune on the way to Siwa, Egypt. Photograph, copyright Sharon Janet Hague.