#232 Alexander the Great

256 snips

Feb 16, 2022

Dive into the audacious life of Alexander the Great, a man defined by incredible ambition and achievement. He defied historical norms by seeking revenge at just 19 years old. Explore his fierce leadership style, impressive military tactics, and a relentless pursuit of glory, drawing parallels with modern entrepreneurship. His exceptional tolerance for fatigue and disdain for slowness set him apart. Discover how his love for literature, particularly the Iliad, shaped his worldview, revealing the blended lessons of success and failure.

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INSIGHT

Extreme Traits

Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar were both brilliant and ambitious, but also selfish and cruel.
Their extreme traits led to both great achievements and significant downfalls.

ANECDOTE

Extreme Revenge

At 19, Alexander sought revenge for a 150-year-old grievance against Persia.
This demonstrates his extreme nature and thirst for glory.

ADVICE

Learn From Mistakes

Learn from others' mistakes, including brilliant figures like Alexander.
Avoid destructive habits, like excessive drinking, to prevent derailing success.

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Four Seasons

The Story of a Business Philosophy

Isadore Sharp

This book is an engaging memoir by Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons Hotels. It chronicles his journey from a child of immigrant parents to becoming a global hotel management magnate. Sharp recounts the history of Four Seasons, starting from its roots in his father's construction business, and how he transitioned into the hotel industry through trial and error. The book highlights Sharp's vision for superior design, top-quality amenities, and a deep commitment to service. It emphasizes the importance of employee empowerment, customer experience, and the four pillars of the Four Seasons philosophy: quality, service, culture, and brand. The book also includes stories of overcoming challenges, building enduring relationships, and the company's expansion into various regions.

Heroes From Alexander The Great And Julius Caesar To Churchill And De Gaulle

Paul Johnson

In 'Heroes', Paul Johnson examines the concept of heroism by profiling a diverse range of historical figures, from military leaders like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to cultural icons like Mae West and Marilyn Monroe. The book delves into the lives of these individuals, highlighting their achievements and the impact they had on their respective eras. Johnson's work spans centuries, offering insights into what makes a hero and how perceptions of heroism have evolved over time.

Churchill

Walking with Destiny

Andrew Roberts

In this landmark biography, Andrew Roberts provides a deeply personal and historically rich portrait of Winston Churchill. With exclusive access to new material such as transcripts of War Cabinet meetings, diaries, letters, and unpublished memoirs from Churchill's contemporaries, Roberts reveals the hidden forces behind Churchill's legendary drive. The book explores Churchill's life in detail, from his early years to his leadership during World War II, highlighting his courage, tenacity, leadership, and moral conviction. It also discusses his complex relationships, including his interactions with King George VI and Franklin Roosevelt, and evaluates his legacy in the context of modern leadership challenges.

Alexander the Great

The Brief Life and Towering Exploits of History's Greatest Conqueror--As Told By His Original Biographers

Plutarch

Quintus Curtius Rufus

Arrian

Michael Wood

This book presents a comprehensive biography of Alexander the Great, drawing from the works of three ancient biographers: Arrian, Plutarch, and Quintus Curtius Rufus. Edited by Tania Gergel, the narrative spans Alexander's life from his princely boyhood to his death, covering his conquests and the expansion of his empire from Greece to India. The introduction by Michael Wood highlights Alexander's enduring legacy and provides context for the historical accounts.

George Lucas, A Life

Brian Jay Jones

Big Brown

Greg Niemann

Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS explores the remarkable 100-year history of UPS and its founder Jim Casey, highlighting the company's unique culture and business philosophy. The book delves into UPS's transformation from a small messenger service into a worldwide icon, examining its traditional management style, strict policies, and strong employee loyalty. Written by a long-time UPS employee, it offers insights into the company's operations and its rise to global prominence.

The River of Doubt

Candice Millard

Candice Millard's "The River of Doubt" recounts Theodore Roosevelt's perilous journey down the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon. The book details the physical and mental hardships faced by Roosevelt and his team, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Millard masterfully weaves together historical accounts, personal diaries, and scientific research to create a gripping narrative. The expedition's challenges and near-death experiences underscore Roosevelt's adventurous spirit and his ability to overcome obstacles. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Roosevelt's life and the exploration of the Amazon.

Time to make the donuts

William Rosenberg

In 'Time to Make the Donuts,' William Rosenberg shares his inspiring story of building Dunkin' Donuts into a global brand. The book offers insights into his business philosophy, emphasizing diligence, persistence, and innovation. It also explores the history of the franchise and Rosenberg's personal experiences as a pioneering entrepreneur.

Becoming Dr. Seuss

Brian Jay Jones

This biography provides a nuanced, profoundly human, and painstakingly researched look at the life of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. It covers his early life, his career as an advertising man and political cartoonist, and his eventual rise to fame as a children’s author. The book delves into Geisel’s complexities, including his personal struggles and his impact on children’s literature. It also explores how Geisel’s work was influenced by his experiences and the societal context of his time, leading to the creation of classics like 'Green Eggs and Ham' and 'The Lorax'[1][2][3]

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In 'Mind Your Own Business', Sidney Harman shares his visionary ideas on leadership, focusing on creating a culture of personal responsibility and valuing employees as the company's most valuable assets. He advocates for a bottoms-up approach, likening his management style to a jazz quartet that improvises in harmony. Harman also emphasizes the importance of integrity, education, and community support within the workplace.

Bloomberg by Michael Bloomberg

Michael Bloomberg

What I learned from reading Alexander the Great: The Brief Life and Towering Exploits of History's Greatest Conqueror--As Told By His Original Biographers by Arrian, Plutarch, and Quintus Curtius Rufus.

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[1:28] Heroes: From Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to Churchill and de Gaulleby Paul Johnson (Founders #226)

[2:16] Each was brave, highly intelligent, almost horrifically self-assured, whose ambitions knew no bounds.

[2:46] He was a man of formidable achievements. He was highly creative. He woke up early. His diet was spare. He was skilled with the sword and the spear and an expert at all forms of arms drills. He dressed to be seen.

[3:50] He had supernatural self confidence and persistence. There is no substitute for will.

[4:26] Churchill by Paul Johnson (Founders #225)

[5:50] Addiontal research: Dan Carlin's Hardcore History Addenum Glimpses of Olympias

[6:03] The Macedonians were a rugged people.

[7:23] Think about this— At 19 years old you think it is your place in history to take revenge on something that happened 150 years previous. That is unapologetically extreme.

[9:42] There’s a rule they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School. It is: If anything is worth doing, it’s worth doing to excess.” —Edwin Land

[12:11] Alexander had excessive tolerance of fatigue

[13:14] Combine an excessive tolerance of fatigue with an intolerance of slowness.

[14:06] Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp (Founders #184) "Excellence is the capacity to take pain."

[14:17] All the things you want in life are on the other side of difficulty and discomfort.

[17:12] The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey (Founders #175)

[21:59] He considered that the task of training and educating his son was too important to be true and trusted to the ordinary run of teachers.

[22:14] Knowledge Project: Inside the Mind of A Famous Investor | Marc Andreessen

[25:03] Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination by Brian Jay Jones (Founders #161)

Mind Your Own Business: A Maverick's Guide to Business, Leadership and Life by Sidney Harman (Founders #229)

Bloomberg by Michael Bloomberg. (Founders #228)

[27:40] Learning is nonlinear.

[31:38] I meant to say Alexander, not Aristotle. Alexander is the one writing the letter to Aristotle.

[33:49] Alexander was a lover of books.

[38:55] George Lucas: A Life by Brian Jay Jones (Founders #35)

[44:51] Time to Make the Donuts: The Founder of Dunkin Donuts Shares an American Journey by William Rosenberg (Founders #231)

[49:16] Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS by Greg Niemann (Founders #192)

[51:24] Fortune generally makes those whom she has compelled to put their trust in her alone more thirsty for glory than capable of coping with it.

[54:11] What folly forced you, knowing as you did the fame of my achievements, to try the fortunes of war?

[58:05] No trait of Alexander's was more firmly held or enduring than his admiration for genuine excellence and brilliant achievement.

[58:30] Winners don't go around leaving negative comments about other people winning.

[1:01:59] Stand firm, for it is toil and danger that lead to glorious achievements.

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