Persevering Paige

Most will not understand. That’s okay. I just really wanted this on my blog somewhere in case I ever lose it on my computer.

The essay question: Hollywood movies aside was Alexander the all that “great”?

Some historians argue Alexander was in fact great while others argue that other than his conquests Alexander left little to merit his exalted historical reputation.

What makes a leader “great” and does Alexander meet your definition?

**Let’s stay in the past – no conversations about current politics allowed.  If you want to use an example of a “great” leader you are banned from using anyone still alive or anyone deceased less than 25 years.

 The essay:

“The question of whether a leader such Alexander is “all that great”;  is a question of morality and leadership. Military and socialistic objectives are often far removed form each other’s end goals.  As an example Alexander the Great may have won many battles, but his recourse was to kill the enemy’s military age men and put the women and children into slavery.  As a military objective Alexander always achieved his military goals by acquiring territory and battle victories, but victories of man do not make a victorious man.  History is littered with examples of great military leaders such as Hitler, Stalin,  and Genghis Kahn in which their military ingenuity is unquestionable; but the retribution they leave on the landscape and population is often a blight on the world we live in.  

The question of “what makes a leader great” is a question that we’ll decide at some point when we reach a perfect society.  That point in which we decide the difference between a Republican and a Democrat.  The point in which we all agree socially, economically, and politically. The truth is we can never truly figure out what makes a leader great because everyone has an altering opinion. At some point someone followed Hitler, someone followed Stalin, someone followed JFK and Ronald Reagan…some were good-some were bad. To put it in words to the best of my ability, a great leader conveys a message that many people are willing to follow and achieve their overall goals. No one knows what makes a great leader, but, Alexander the Great was great in his accomplishments, even though morally he did some things that many would disagree with.”

-Paige & Kevin, February 6, 2016 10:46 PM